Outrigger hires former Trump executive as new CEO

Hawaii's Outrigger Hotels & Resorts has appointed Jeff Wagoner, the previous EVP of hotel operations for Trump Hotels, as president and CEO, effective April 26, 2018.

KSL Resorts co-founder and CEO Scott Dalecio had been serving as Outrigger’s interim CEO since early 2017.

Before joining Trump Hotels in 2015, Wagoner was president of Wyndham Hotel Group Management.

Jeff Wagoner, president & CEO, Outrigger

“Jeff is a proven leader with the operational strength and industry intelligence to successfully steer Outrigger Hotels and Resorts as we further expand the global footprint of this iconic hospitality brand,” said Dalecio in a statement. “His skill set is a tremendous asset to our organization and equally important, his leadership style fits impeccably with Outrigger’s culture of Ke `Ano Wa`a – caring for the guest, the host and the place.”

Outrigger’s portfolio currently includes nine beachfront resorts in Hawaii, Fiji, Thailand, Guam, Mauritius and the Maldives and 27 owned and/or managed hotels, resorts and vacation condominiums.

“It’s a tremendous time of reinvestment and growth for Outrigger Hotels and Resorts and I am honored for the opportunity to be a part of this new chapter,” said Wagoner. “Building on Outrigger’s 70 years of hospitality, I look forward to enhancing and growing our portfolio while upholding the authenticity and integrity of this iconic brand.”

There was executive-level shakeup at Outrigger after KSL acquired the company in November 2016. Three months later, David Carey, who had been the long-time CEO of Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, stepped down from the role. Outrigger had been owned and operated by the Kelley family for 69 years; Carey is married to the granddaughter of Outrigger's founders. 

“Outrigger is poised to enter its next phase of reinvestment and growth because of the solid foundation built by David Carey and his team; we’re grateful that he will continue to contribute his knowledge and expertise as a member of our board,” Dalecio said in a statement at the time. 

Earlier this year, while celebrating its 70th anniversary, Outrigger announced the newest addition to its portfolio with the Waikiki Beachcomber by Outrigger, which undertook a soft opening Feb. 1, 2018.