Troy Richardson returns to Maui as director of sales and marketing of Destination Residences Hawai‘i, a resort management company specializing in exclusive vacation residences on Hawaiʻi.
Troy Richardson.
In his new capacity, Richardson will focus on sales, marketing programs and delivering authentic guest service experiences within its seven resort communities in Wailea and Mākena including: Wailea Beach Villas, Wailea ʻElua Village, Wailea ʻEkahi Village, Wailea ʻEkolu Village, Wailea Grand Champions, Polo Beach Club and Mākena Surf.
“Troy’s experience in developing collaborative teams, generating revenue and delivering guest satisfaction in competitive environments will be essential in raising our advantage in the marketplace,” said Rob Henderson, vice president of sales and marketing at Two Roads Hospitality, the parent company of Destination Hotels. “He is also knowledgeable of the destination and embraces Hawaii’s culture which is important to us.”
Richardson served as director of incentive sales at Hilton Waikoloa Village and national sales manager at The Ritz Carlton Kapalua before launching Opus Group International, a full-service meeting and incentive planning company in California. After successfully leading and growing Opus for four years, Richardson returns to Maui.
“One day, I just realized that my heart never left Maui so my wife and I decided it was time to come back and stay for good,” says Richardson of his decision to sell his company and return to the Island. “We’ve been to a lot of places around the world, yet we always talk about how Maui is the best. I’m excited to finally be back and work for such a respected company that shares Hawaiʻi’s culture, nature and people to its guests.”
Richardson’s priority is to enhance guest experience by offering authentic experiences that showcase Hawaiʻi’s sense of place thus strengthening visitors’ genuine connection with the destination.
“Guests who stay with us want true, local experiences. They prefer our residences because they want a kitchen so they can go to the farmers’ market, bring it back and enjoy the bounty in a real way. They want to drive up to the winery in Kula, bring it back ‘home’ and enjoy it while watching the sunset from their lānai. They want that freedom and authenticity, and we’re going to focus on giving them that life while they are here.”
All of Destination Residences Hawai‘i’s private residences offer the comforts and conveniences of a home with the full-service amenities of a resort like housekeeping, concierge, front desk check-in and a manager on duty 24 hours. It manages a variety of studio-, one-, two-, three-, four- and five bedroom condominiums in golf-front and ocean-front resort communities with swimming pools, jet spas, and tropical gardens in proximity to championship golf courses and tennis courts, pristine beaches, shopping and dining. Each residence features spacious living and dining space, fully equipped kitchen, en-suite washer and dryer, and a private lānai.
“Troy is the final piece to our new leadership team,” says Mike Cuthbertson, managing director of Destination Residences Hawaiʻi. “With him onboard, we are excited to create and implement new strategies and programs that will expand the brand’s portfolio, elevate service offerings and add value for our owners and guests.”
Richardson’s relevant experience also includes roles as vice president of sales at Total Meetings Solutions and Pacific Partners International, and director of sales and marketing for Seaport Marina Hotel, The Riviera Resort, Doubletree, Embassy Suites and Golden Sails in California.
Richardson’s passion includes supporting the Make-A-Wish Foundation, advocating for animal rights and football. He attended the University of Southern California on a full athletic scholarship. Since returning to Maui, he has reignited his obsession with the sweet Maui Gold pineapples.
