Outrigger Hospitality Group continues to strengthen its leadership team with two key appointments aimed at enhancing its sustainability initiatives and expanding its market presence. The company announced that Karen Kurosawa will take the helm as Director of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). Leo Okazaki has been appointed Director of Sales and Marketing for Outrigger Hospitality Japan Inc. These appointments reflect Outrigger's strategic focus on adapting to evolving market demands and reinforcing its commitment to responsible business practices.
Kurosawa brings valuable experience to her new role, having previously served as an accounts manager for CDP Reporter Services in New York. There, she advised Fortune 500 companies on environmental disclosure, emissions verification, and aligning with leading frameworks such as TCFD, GHG Protocol, and SBTi. This background positions her well to lead Outrigger's ESG efforts, navigating the complexities of sustainability reporting and ensuring alignment with global best practices. The appointment underscores the growing importance of ESG in the hospitality industry, as investors and consumers increasingly prioritize environmentally and socially responsible companies.
Leo Okazaki joins Outrigger Hospitality Japan Inc. with an impressive 25-year career in sales, marketing, and administration within the hospitality and timeshare sectors. His experience includes leading regional initiatives and strategic marketing efforts for Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide in Sydney. His expertise will be crucial in driving sales and marketing strategies within the Japanese market and will contribute to expanding Outrigger's presence in the Asia-Pacific region. This move suggests a renewed focus on growth and strategic positioning in a key international market.
Outrigger's commitment to global expansion is evident in its recent activities. For instance, the company is set to open the Outrigger Phi Phi Island Resort in Thailand in October, and has already wrapped a $60-million renovation of the OUTRIGGER Kona Resort & Spa on the Big Island hotelsmag.com. This expansion strategy, coupled with the appointment of experienced professionals like Kurosawa and Okazaki, positions Outrigger for continued success. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser also reported on the recent key hires within the Outrigger group.
These strategic appointments come at a time when the hospitality industry is navigating a complex landscape of environmental concerns and market competition. Okazaki's sales and marketing expertise will be critical in driving revenue growth and market share, while Kurosawa's background in ESG will help the company meet the increasing demand for sustainability in the industry. With the focus increasingly shifting towards sustainability, incorporating robust procedures from the outset and aligning with comprehensive ESG disclosure standards will be instrumental in ensuring investors trust and long-term success. This is also true for businesses when it comes to environmental risks and opportunities, the importance of accountability and transparency, and building sustainability into the core values of the business.
