(FHB) — First Hawaiian Inc. announced 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, the 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 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. 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. 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. 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.
Harrison expressed his enthusiasm about the future of the Company’s leadership, “I am delighted to welcome Lea and Darlene to the senior management team and to welcome Gina to her new role. Lea, Darlene and Gina are highly qualified for their new positions, and each of them has a thoughtful and nuanced understanding of relationship banking and risk management and their importance in our corporate culture. I am confident that each will be able to pick up seamlessly where her predecessor left off and that we will continue the excellent work that has enabled us to serve our customers so well for 165 years.”
Harrison thanked Ralph, Lance and Iris. “All of us at First Hawaiian Bank extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional leadership and dedicated service.”
First Hawaiian Inc.
First Hawaiian Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its principal subsidiary, First Hawaiian Bank, founded in 1858 under the name Bishop & Company, is Hawaii’s oldest and largest financial institution with branch locations throughout Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. The company offers a comprehensive suite of banking services to consumer and commercial customers including deposit products, loans, wealth management, insurance, trust, retirement planning, credit card and merchant processing services. Customers may also access their accounts through ATMs, online and mobile banking channels. For more information about First Hawaiian Inc., visit www.fhb.com/.
From left, Lea Nakamura, Darlene Blakeney and Gina Anonuevo.
