The following individuals recently launched a business, were appointed to a leadership position or honored for their work in the business community: • Denise Wardlow was appointed general manager of Starwood Vacation Ownership’s new Kaua‘i property, The Westin Princeville Ocean
The following individuals recently launched a business, were appointed to a leadership position or honored for their work in the business community:
• Denise Wardlow was appointed general manager of Starwood Vacation Ownership’s new Kaua‘i property, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Wardlow will lead the management team and oversee operations as construction nears completion and the resort prepares for its opening on April 11. Wardlow has been part of the Starwood Hawai‘i family for 23 years, having gained extensive experience working at the Princeville Resort, Sheraton Maui Resort and Sheraton Kauai Resort. Prior to her promotion, Wardlow held positions at Sheraton Kauai Resort as director of sales and marketing and director of operations. She also holds numerous Starwood Hotels & Resorts certifications.
• Ray Blouin was promoted by ResortQuest Hawaii to oversee regional responsibilities for two Kaua‘i properties. A 25-year veteran of the travel industry, Blouin will oversee daily operations of ResortQuest Kauai Beach at Maka‘iwa and ResortQuest Aloha Beach Kauai Hotel.
Prior to joining ResortQuest Hawaii in 2007, Blouin was general manager of the Hanalei Bay Resort. There he was responsible for all aspects of the resort operations, including the management of the Association of Apartment Owners, Vacation Owners’ Association and food and beverage responsibilities for the Bali Hai Restaurant and Happy Talk Lounge. He also served as general manager of Lae Nani condominiums on the Coconut Coast and general manager of the historic Waimea Plantation Cottages.
• Matthew Thomas has joined Energy Industries as an energy project developer. In his new role, Thomas will develop and manage renewable energy projects in Hawai‘i. Thomas has extensive experience in renewable energy systems and construction management. Prior to joining Energy Industries, he served as project manager at Suntech Hawaii, managing large scale photovoltaic and solar hot-water projects for a number of commercial and military clients. Thomas has managed a number of large construction projects internationally. He earned a double master’s degree from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s from the University of California, Los Angeles.
