StarBulletin.com

Bank shifts key managers


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POSTED: Tuesday, November 17, 2009

First Hawaiian Bank, the state's oldest bank and its largest in total assets and deposits, has named a new president and will reorganize its management team after retirement of four key senior managers at year's end.

The promotions will be effective on Dec. 1.

“;We have taken the opportunity of several retirements to reorganize and gain efficiencies in our overall management structure,”; said Don Horner, First Hawaiian's chairman and chief executive officer, who will relinquish his presidential role to Robert Harrison, who has served as the bank's vice chairman since 2007.

Harrison, who joined First Hawaiian in 1996, will take on the role of president and chief operating officer responsible for consumer banking, marketing, risk management and trust. Harrison, who earned an MBA from Cornell University, has more than 20 years of experience in financial services.

“;The changes should move decision-making closer to the customer and provide for more rapid product development and customer service improvements,”; Horner said in a news release.

Other key changes include the promotion of Raymond Ono to vice chairman and chief banking officer responsible for branches, retail and business banking and wealth management. Ono, who graduated from 'Iolani School and holds an MBA from Willamette University, joined First Hawaiian in 1978 as a trainee and has worked his way steadily up the ranks.

Robert Fujioka, who joined First Hawaiian in 1996, will become the bank's vice chairman and chief lending officer, responsible for corporate banking, commercial real estate and leasing. He is a Punahou graduate and holds an MBA from the University of Hawaii.

Albert Yamada, who joined First Hawaiian in 1988, is being promoted to vice chairman, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer, responsible for finance, human resources, legal, compliance and investments. A graduate of Hilo High School, he earned a BBA degree from the University of Hawaii and is also a CPA.

Gary Caulfield, a graduate of Kalani High and the School for Bank Administration in Madison, Wis., will serve as vice chairman and chief information officer, responsible for technology, data management, operations and research. Caulfield joined the bank in 1983.

Additionally, Alan Arizumi, risk management group; Winston Chow, Oahu region and consumer lending; Kristi Maynard, treasury and investment division; James “;Kimo”; Mills, service delivery division; and Curt Otaguro, card services group, were named to the bank's senior management committee.

Year-end senior officer retirements include Anthony Guerrero, retail banking group; Edward Pei, consumer banking group; Mark Felmet, consumer lending group; and Edmund Kajiyama, branch support division.

“;We shall miss the experience and expertise of these senior bankers and very much appreciate their many years of service to the bank and the community,”; Horner said.

“;We are fortunate the bank's ongoing transition planning continues to serve us well by preparing the next generation of leadership to maintain the bank's culture and values.”;