Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort Appoints Hillary Francis As Director Of Sales And Marketing

Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort is delighted to share the appointment of Hillary Francis to the key position of Director of Sales and Marketing. In her new role, Hillary will play a pivotal part in enhancing the property's commercial success by leading and implementing innovative sales and marketing strategies across the resort's expansive offerings. Opened on July 1, 2023, Kona Village spans 81 acres of breathtaking geological landscape and is the latest iteration of the iconic island retreat. Rooted in the rich history of the land, local culture, and natural surroundings, the resort is committed to delivering a distinctive and luxurious Hawaiian experience.

“With Hillary’s proven track record of driving commercial growth and unique experience working on property transformations, she is an excellent addition to Kona Village’s ‘ohana,” said Daniel Scott, Managing Director of Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort. “She brings an extensive knowledge of Hawaiian hospitality and a respect for the Aloha spirit, and we are confident that both will be key in continuing the groundswell of momentum Kona Village has built in the past year.”

The addition of Hillary Francis to the resort’s dedicated team will be instrumental in steering Kona Village’s continued growth and success. A resident of Hawai’i for the last fourteen years, Hillary brings with her an intimate knowledge of the destination and a profound respect for the islands’ culture and natural beauty. Her most recent role saw her as Complex Director of Marketing for Waldorf Astoria where she led the comprehensive reintroduction of the Grand Wailea resort following a three-year renovation. Her experience includes high-level marketing roles at Four Seasons Resort Maui and Destination by Hyatt. Her ability to drive results is not confined to numbers but extends to her unique talent for creating and executing strategies that speak to larger visions and goals. In the past her efforts have effectively reshaped patterns in key performance indicators, setting new records within the organizations she has worked for. With her wealth of experience and expertise, Hillary is poised to contribute significantly to the strategic development of Kona Village, ensuring its position as one of the world’s premier destinations and continuing its legacy of thoughtful tourism.

With breathtaking Pacific Ocean views and immersive elements rooted in the destination, Kona Village’s return to the Big Island has brought a new generation of exceptional stays and lifestyle experiences. The resort has seen immense success since its reopening, including being the first hotel in Hawai’i to achieve LEED Gold status.