Hilton Waikoloa Village has appointed David Givens to the position of general manager. In his new role, Givens will oversee the operation of the 1,240-room oceanfront resort on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island.
“David’s vast hospitality experience, expertise in management and results-oriented focus will be an invaluable asset to our operations,” said Jerry Gibson, area vice president, Hilton Hawaii. “I am thrilled to have David at the forefront of our management team and know he will ensure the resort continues to thrive as one of Hawaii Islands’ top leisure and meetings destination.”
Givens joins the hotel from Interstate Hotels & Resorts, where he was vice president of operations, overseeing multiple branded properties and ownership groups. Prior to that, he held the dual role of vice president operations and general manager for Interstate’s China Division (seven properties) and managed the 850-room DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai – Pudong. He successfully took the former Sofitel property through a brand change to become the first DoubleTree by Hilton franchised hotel in China. Prior to moving to China, Givens was the general manager of multiple hotels throughout the United States including Hilton Waikiki Beach in Honolulu.
With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Givens is a hands-on, results-oriented, award-winning manager. During his tenure at DoubleTree by Hilton Shanghai – Pudong, he received the Most Improved Quality Award and at Hilton Waikiki Beach he received the Best Overall Accommodations Award.
Givens is a graduate of Cornell University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in hotel administration. He believes in giving back to the community and has been on the board of directors for organizations such as the Shanghai Hotel & Lodging Association, Hawaii Hotel & Lodging Association, Waikiki Community Center and Waikiki Improvement Association.
