First Hawaiian, Inc. Announces Senior Leadership Transitions

HONOLULU, June 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Hawaiian, Inc. (NASDAQ FHB) (“First Hawaiian” or the “Company”) announced today the upcoming retirements of three members of its senior leadership team: Vice Chairman and Chief Risk Officer, Ralph Mesick; Vice Chairman and Chief Lending Officer, Lance Mizumoto; and Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Iris Matsumoto.

“Ralph, Lance and Iris have been instrumental in the success of our Bank. Their dedication, leadership and embodiment of our culture and relationship strategy have helped guide the organization,” said Bob Harrison, Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer of First Hawaiian. “In anticipation of their retirement, our succession planning process will help ensure a seamless continuity of their invaluable contributions. Ralph, Lance and Iris have left a legacy of relationship building with our customers, employees and shareholders and we are incredibly grateful for their commitment to preparing their successors for this transition.”

In anticipation of these retirements, First Hawaiian is excited to announce the promotions of the individuals that will succeed Ralph, Lance and Iris. Lea Nakamura, our Deputy Chief Risk Officer, will be appointed as Chief Risk Officer, and Darlene Blakeney, Executive Vice President and Division Manager for the Corporate Banking Division of First Hawaiian Bank (the “Bank”) and President of First Hawaiian Leasing, will be appointed as Chief Lending Officer, effective July 1, 2023, and October 1, 2023, respectively. Each will join the First Hawaiian Senior Management Committee upon her respective appointment. Additionally, Gina Anonuevo, Chief Compliance Officer of the Bank, will take over as Chief Human Resources Officer effective December 1, 2023. As Chief Human Resources Officer, Gina will continue to serve as a member of the First Hawaiian Senior Management Committee.

These newly promoted leaders bring a wealth of experience to their respective roles. Ms. Nakamura has over 34 years of banking experience. Prior to serving as Deputy Chief Risk Officer, she served as Treasurer for First Hawaiian Bank and in various roles in the Risk Group.  She has experience in additional areas including swaps, foreign exchange, credit analyses, capital and liquidity management and analytics, stress testing and model management. Ms. Blakeney has been with First Hawaiian Bank since 2015 and has a total of over 25 years of banking experience in lending and credit administration. In addition to her banking experience, she served as the Director of Finance and Administration for Hanahau’oli School for nine years. Ms. Anonuevo has served as the Bank’s Chief Compliance Officer since 2011. Prior to that, she served as Director of Audit for the Bank for five years and served as a bank examiner with the FDIC for eight years.