HONOLULU (Nov. 4, 2016) – Kōkua Hospitality today announced the appointment of Yolanda “Yolee” Cardiff as director of sales and marketing for the Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach. Cardiff will be responsible for all aspects of the hotel’s sales, marketing, and public relations efforts.
“Yolee brings an excellent skillset and expertise to the Hyatt Centric brand and I am confident that she will help drive our hotel towards success,” said Charles Young, general manager of the Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach. “We’re thrilled to have her join our team and represent our world-class brand as we enter Hawai’i’s thriving market.”
Cardiff brings a strong background in the global hospitality industry to the Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach’s leadership team. She previously served as the global account executive for American Express Global Business Travel, where she specialized in risk management, hotel site selection, and contract negotiation. Prior to that, she served as senior director of global sales for Millennium Hotels and Resorts and director of global sales at Meliá Hotels International, one of the leading hotel companies in the world.
“It is an honor to join the Hyatt Centric brand during this very exciting time of growth in Waikīkī and on Kūhiō Avenue,” said Cardiff. “As we get closer to opening our first Hawai’i hotel, I look forward to welcoming our guests with genuine warmth, aloha, and hospitality.”
Cardiff received a bachelor’s degree in international tourism from the Columbian University of Hospitality and Tourism. She is also a certified Corporate Travel Executive with the Global Business Travel Association.
Hyatt Centric Waikīkī Beach is slated to open on Dec. 8, 2016 in the former Waikīkī Trade Center, placing guests in the center of the action. The full-service, lifestyle hotel will feature floor-to-ceiling windows offering outstanding views of Waikīkī, as well as on-site amenities including an outdoor pool and entertainment deck, upscale bar and restaurant, and 24/7 fitness facility. Several retailers will also join the property at the former Waikīkī Trade Center, including a new 34,000-square-foot, two-level Nordstrom Rack, Starbucks, Jamba Juice, and American Savings Bank.
