Jay Rubenstein, a 25-year hospitality industry veteran in Hawaii, has been appointed to the position of general manager at the Royal Kona Resort on Hawaii’s Big Island.
He replaces Lalo Fernandez, who transferred to his home state of California this month to join the Hogan Family Foundation and take over management of the Gardens of the World botanical gardens in Thousand Oaks.
Rubenstein, formerly director of sales and hotel manager at the Royal Kona Resort, began his career in the travel industry as a front desk agent at the Sheraton Waikiki. During his 18 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, he was involved in various operations capacities and held several sales and marketing positions. He also helped open Starwood hotels on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island.
He later spent three years as general manager of the Regency at Hualalai, a retirement community on Hawaii. Prior to coming to the Royal Kona Resort in 2009, he was front office manager at The Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows.
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