HAWAII
The Hawaii Visitors & Convention Bureau (HVCB) has announced the following management changes:
Jay Talwar is moving from his role as Sr. Vice President – Marketing to Chief Marketing Officer, where he will have oversight of all the marketing efforts within the bureau.
Karen Hughes has come aboard the VCB as Vice President, Meet Hawaii and Travel Industry Partnerships, where she assumes responsibility for both the meetings and travel trade areas. Hughes was previously VP, Global Leisure Sales and Distribution for Starwood Hotels, and before that served as a regional VP for Starwood Hawaii.
Ross Birch has been chosen to replace George Applegate, outgoing Big Island Visitors Bureau Executive Director, upon Applegate’s retirement at the end of May. Birch’s past experience includes serving as the GM of the Makalei Golf Course and a management position with the Mauna Lani Resort, and he has also held positions on the Big Island Visitors Bureau board.
