BIG ISLAND, HAWAII – Barry Wallace, executive vice president of hospitality services, is pleased to name Jim Heather as the new general manager for Keauhou Beach Resort on the Big Island.

Heather, who moves to the Big Island from his most recent post as general manager of the Outrigger managed Courtyard® by Marriott® Waikiki Beach hotel on Oahu, will assume his new duties on October 1 and will be in charge of all operational aspects of the 309-room hotel.

“Jim is a long-time, well-respected member of the Outrigger ohana who will bring a wealth of experience to Keauhou Beach Resort,” said Barry Wallace.  “His industry knowledge, management style and desire for the best in hospitality will benefit both guests and employees and contribute to the property’s continuing success.”

Heather started his Outrigger career in 1998 as director of rooms for the Outrigger Guam Resort, where he played a key role in the opening of the property. In 2002, he moved to Hawaii to join Outrigger’s Condominium Collection as general manager of the Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona. After two years, Heather moved to Oahu and assumed leadership at Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach; and most recently, he successfully transitioned the Courtyard® by Marriott® Waikiki Beach from the Wyland Waikiki to the Marriot® brand. Heather’s experience in the hotel industry also includes management positions with Hilton® Hotels in Guam and Crowne Plaza® in Tokyo, Japan.

Heather is a University of Las Vegas graduate with a degree in Hotel Administration and has also earned his certification from the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association.

Keauhou Beach Resort is an oceanfront hotel on the sunny Kona Coast of Hawaii Island. The resort’s natural surroundings include ocean tide pools with gentle sea turtles and gardens with native Hawaiian flowers and trees. Generous resort amenities include a complimentary daily breakfast buffet, daily cultural crafts and activities, and the exclusive Huaka’i tour – a guided property tour where guests learn of the area’s historic and cultural significance. For reservations, travel agent specials and more information, visit www.keauhoubeachresort.com or call 1-800-OUTRIGGER (688-7444).

About Keauhou Beach Resort
The Keauhou Beach Resort, which is managed by Outrigger Enterprises Group, sits along the Kona Coast of Hawaii's Big Island and enjoys a prime oceanfront setting with tide pools sheltering sea turtles and reef fish out front and Kahalu`u Bay Beach Park, one of the best snorkeling beaches on the island, right next door. The hotel offers 309 guest rooms and suites, meeting facilities, restaurant and lounge, fitness room, salon and spa services, tennis courts, pool, shopping, ancient historical sites and Hawaiian cultural programs for adults and children. For reservations or information, call toll free 1-866-326-6803 or the hotel direct at 1-808-324-2515 (long distance charges apply), or visit www.keauhoubeachresort.com.

About Outrigger Enterprises Group