“On June 1, 2011, in a further display of its commitment to Guam and Saipan and its confidence in the tourism industry, Ken Corporation purchased the Pacific Islands Club Saipan and the management contracts including sales and marketing contract for both the PIC Saipan and the Pacific Islands Club Guam from InterPacific Group Limited,” stated Hayato Yoshino, president, P.H.R. Ken Asset Management, Inc. in a media release yesterday.
The release didn’t disclose the contract price but Variety sources claim PIC Saipan and Guam contracts were worth $36.5 million.
The said release issued by Ken Corp. also confirmed that the company acquired all of the stocks of the holding company that owned the hotel.
Although its affiliate, Guam & Guam Inc. already owned PIC Guam, Ken. Corp. said it obtained management control of the hotel through this transaction, giving Ken Corporation complete ownership and management authority over the PIC properties in Guam and Saipan. It also acquired the two Boutiki outlets on Guam and Saipan.
Yoshino also announced Ken Yanagisawa and Hiroki Sugie as the new general managers for PIC Guam and PIC Saipan, replacing Bartley A. Jackson and Kieran Daly.
Yanagisawa, president of Guam & Guam Inc., owner of PIC Guam, has over 10 years of experience in real estate and hospitality industry while Sugie, who previously served as general manager of Aqua Resort Club, brings over 10 years of hotel management experience.
Ken Corp., a Tokyo-based real estate development company, owns other hotel properties on Guam and Saipan through its affiliates and subsidiaries. To date, it owns Hyatt Regency Guam, Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort, Hotel Nikko Guam, PIC Guam, PIC Saipan and the Aqua Resort Club.
Outgoing general manager Daly told Variety that he is returning to Australia and will be making a trip to Europe when he departs Saipan on June 16.
Daly is remembered by his staff as “hardworking, caring, supportive and fair.”
“His door is always open for employees to meet with him and he considers others’ opinions before making any decisions,” said a PIC Saipan employee who declined to be identified.
Daly was also credited by the sports community the influence behind the growing popularity of the cycling sport in the islands. His 100km century race became a reality through the “Hell of the Marianas.”
With Daly at the helm of PIC Saipan, the hotel developed the Russian market, helping swell the number of Russian tourist arrivals to the CNMI.
It was also during Daly’s leadership two years ago that the hotel posted its highest revenue on record.
Daly told Variety that he looks forward to reuniting with his family and friends in Australia.
While Daly made known his return to Australia, his Guam counterpart —Jackson—has announced his intention to stay on Guam to explore other opportunities. He has been on Guam for the last 21 years.
Jackson, who tendered his resignation May 31, is currently the chairman of the Guam Hotel and Restaurant Association.
The PIC brand used to be owned by Charles Feeney, who co-founded the Duty Free Shoppers.
