First Hawaiian CEO Horner to Retire at Year’s End

Don Horner, CEO, First Hawaiian Bank. Photo courtesy of FHB.

By Sonia Isotov

After 33 years with the bank, Don Horner, CEO of First Hawaiian Bank, announced today that he will be retiring at the end of this year, but will continue to serve as the bank’s chairman.

Bob Harrison, 51, who currently serves as president and chief operating officer, will succeed Horner as CEO at year-end. Ray Ono, who is vice chairman and chief banking officer, will assume Harrison’s title as COO.

Bob Harrison, currently serves as president and COO, First Hawaiian Bank, and replace Horner as CEO, at the year's end. Photo courtesy of FHB.

“No one person can replace Don,” said Harrison. “He has had a remarkable career with the bank.  However, our management team is committed to carry on the bank’s legacy of strong financial performance and supporting our communities. The core values that have served as the foundation of our bank will not change.  They will continue to guide our relationships with our customers, communities, and employees.  We remain a relationship bank committed to serving the markets in which we do business.”

“These moves ensure an orderly transition and are part of our strategic succession planning process. Our bank has a history of promoting from within to ensure that our culture, commitments, and core values are well maintained,” Horner said, in a written statement released by the bank today.  “I have been blessed with a long and fulfilling 33-year career with the bank.  There comes a time when we need to turn the reins over to the next generation of leaders.  I am confident that the bank’s highly experienced and dedicated management team and staff will continue to build on the bank’s 153-year history of achievement under Bob’s leadership.”

Harrison joined First Hawaiian in branch banking in 1996 and has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry.  He was named vice chairman in 2007 and president and chief operating officer in 2009.  Active in the community, Harrison currently serves on the boards of the Blood Bank of Hawaii, the Japan-America Society, the Hawaii Community Foundation and Aloha Harvest, where he serves as chairman.

Ray Ono, vice chairman and chief banking officer, will assume Harrison's title as CEO. Photo courtesy of FHB.

Ono joined First Hawaiian in 1978 as a trainee and has worked his way steadily through the ranks since that time.  He was named vice chairman in 2007 and chief banking officer in 2009.  A graduate of Iolani School, he holds both an undergraduate degree and an MBA from Willamette University.  He is also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. He serves on the boards of the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific,  St. Andrew’s Priory, Friends of Hawaii Charities and Ahahui Koa Anuenue.