For the sixth year, the publication profiled more than 100 �Rising Stars,� or up-and-coming executives aged 35 years or younger. Travel Agent's editors and reporters nominated candidates from every segment of the industry. Each candidate had to hold key posts in their company, show evidence that they are on the fast track to promotion or additional responsibilities, have statistics showing their accomplishments and receive an endorsement from their bosses. 

Koo also has been promoted to assistant vice president � U.S. & International Sales and eCommerce for ASTON Hotels & Resorts Hawaii. 

He has worked his way up in ASTON since joining the company fresh from graduate school in 1998 as an assistant information manager. Most recently, he served as director of marketing and founded the Internet market segment for ASTON. 

In his new appointment, Koo will oversee all sales and marketing activities with ASTON's U.S. and international wholesale partners. In addition, Koo will head the eCommerce department at ASTON and be responsible for the chain�s eCommerce strategies and conduct of business on the Internet. 

�I am pleased to promote William onto our sales team,� said Joni Paahao, senior vice president of sales and marketing for ASTON Hotels & Resorts Hawaii. �William�s extensive marketing skills, combined with his passion for the Internet, will benefit ASTON as he moves forward into sales management of one of our key sales areas, U.S. and international wholesale.�

Koo holds a bachelor's degree in travel industry management, an MBA in marketing and a master's of science degree in information systems, all from Hawaii Pacific University. He also is a member of the Travel and Tourism Research Association and Sales and Marketing Executives of Honolulu. Aside from the Rising Star award, Koo received the inaugural Paul C.T. Loo Distinguished Young Alumni Award from Hawaii Pacific University in 2001.
 
Based in Honolulu, ASTON Hawaii operates 34 condominium resorts and hotels on the four major Hawaiian islands. The company is the number-one operator of suites and resort condominiums and hotels in Hawaii. Hotel Corporation of the Pacific, dba ASTON Hawaii, is a ResortQuest International company, the leading provider of condominium and vacation home rentals in premier resort locations worldwide.