By Staff Reports
(Honolulu)– Hawaiian Host Group today announced that Edward Schultz has been named the company’s next President and Chief Executive Officer, effective Jan. 1, 2020. He has assumed the dual role as President and CEO, following Keith Sakamoto’s retirement after eight years as CEO and 25 years with Hawaiian Host.
Mr. Schultz, 43, has been President of the company—which owns Hawaiian Host and Mauna Loa—the world’s leading roasted and chocolate-covered macadamia nut brands—since September 2018. Under the Hawaiian Host Group umbrella, the company has more than 470 employees in Hawai‘i, California, Japan and Singapore.
“Hawaiian Host and Mauna Loa are two of Hawai‘i’s best and most historical brands that consumers from around the world love,” says Mr. Schultz. “Our goal is to ensure that these brands are the pride of Hawai‘i for the next 50 years. The plan is to accomplish this by building the next generation of leaders here at Hawaiian Host and Mauna Loa, while innovating to bring in the next generation of consumers.”
Prior to Hawaiian Host, Mr. Schultz was President and owner of Honolulu Coffee, one of the world’s leading “Farm-to-Cup” coffee companies. Under his leadership, Honolulu Coffee grew from five stores in 2008, to one of the most distinguished, fully integrated specialty coffee operations in the world. Today, Honolulu Coffee grows coffee on 230 acres in Kona, Hawai‘i, roasts coffee in Waikiki and serves customers at its 37 stores in Hawai‘i, Japan, Canada and Guam.
Mr. Schultz started his career in New York, working on growth equity investments and leveraged buyouts for BNP Paribas Merchant Banking Group and Banc of America Securities. Mr. Schultz is a graduate of Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn. with a Bachelor of Engineering degree.
Keith Sakamoto
Outgoing CEO Keith Sakamoto served as President & CEO of Hawaiian Host since 2011. He joined the company in 1994 and served in various senior positions until he was appointed President in 2005. In 2018, Mr. Schultz assumed the role of President when he joined the company as part of its succession plan.
“I’m very excited about the future for our Hawaiian Host and Mauna Loa brands, shares Mr. Sakamoto. “Ed has adapted quickly and has the perfect background in consumer packaged goods to lead this company. He has tremendous energy and a global perspective that will move us forward.”
About Hawaiian Host Group
Hawaiian Host Group, parent company to Hawaiian Host® and Mauna Loa® brands, is the leading manufacturer of premium chocolate and macadamia nut snacks. Renowned for providing an authentic chocolate and macadamia nut experience, the iconic Hawai‘i company has been offering a variety of high-quality, delicious products—from fine confectionary gifts to indulgent snacks—since 1927. Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaiian Host Group produces more than 40 unique premium chocolate and macadamia nut snacks and distributes worldwide, with manufacturing facilities in Hawai‘i and Los Angeles. For more information on Hawaiian Host Group brands, visit hawaiianhost.com and maunaloa.com.