Description
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Hawaii Business Roundtable (HBR) is a statewide public policy organization comprised of Hawaii’s leading CEOs and senior executives, united by a commitment to advancing the state’s economic vitality and social well-being. HBR brings together leaders across industries to focus their collective expertise and influence on issues of significance to Hawaii, serving as a forum for informed discussion and working in partnership with government, business, education, research, and community organizations to advance meaningful solutions.
HBR’s work is focused on several issues critical to Hawaii’s future, including education and workforce development, housing availability, economic innovation, tourism, and military affairs. Through its membership, policy engagement, economic forums, research partnerships, and relationships across the public and private sectors, HBR provides a unique platform for business leaders to help shape the conversations and decisions that will influence Hawaii’s long-term prosperity.
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
The Executive Director will have the opportunity to lead one of Hawaii’s most prominent business leadership organizations at a pivotal time for the state. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with an exceptional network of CEOs and senior executives, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership for HBR’s mission, policy priorities, member engagement, external affairs, communications, programs, and operations.
The next Executive Director will be responsible for maximizing the collective influence of HBR’s membership, turning the insight, relationships, and expertise of its leaders into a focused strategy and a stronger voice on the issues that matter most to Hawaii. The leader will set priorities with the Board, engage members around a common agenda, and ensure that HBR’s resources and activities are aligned toward meaningful outcomes. This will require a sophisticated understanding of when and where HBR can have the greatest impact, as well as the ability to move the organization from ideas and dialogue to action.
A significant opportunity for the incoming leader will be to elevate HBR’s engagement with policymakers and government leaders. The Executive Director will strengthen relationships across the public sector, anticipate emerging issues, and position HBR to contribute constructively and credibly to policy discussions before decisions are made. The role will require a leader who can navigate complex political and stakeholder environments while maintaining HBR’s reputation for thoughtful, fact-based, and solutions-oriented engagement.
The ideal candidate will bring a sophisticated understanding of Hawaii’s business, economic, political, and civic landscape, together with a demonstrated ability to build trust and influence among senior leaders and diverse stakeholders. Experience in public policy, government affairs, economic development, business leadership, public affairs, or similarly complex environments will be highly valued. The ideal candidate will bring an appreciation for Hawaii's unique economic landscape, some knowledge of the hospitality industry and military-community relationships, and the ability to engage effectively with leaders across the business, government, military, education, and nonprofit sectors. HBR seeks a leader with executive presence, intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, exceptional communication and facilitation skills, and the ability to listen, build consensus, and translate ideas into action.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, entrepreneurial, and highly relational leader to work alongside some of Hawaii’s most accomplished executives and play a consequential role in shaping the state’s future. The successful candidate will bring energy, initiative, integrity, and a strong sense of accountability, while serving as a thoughtful steward of HBR’s reputation and influence. Above all, the Executive Director will be motivated by the opportunity to advance the economic vitality and social well-being of Hawaii and help shape a stronger future for its people and communities.
Requirements
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit the following, addressed to HBR Search Committee, c/o Inkinen Executive Search, via email to executives@inkinen.com by September 25, 2026:
- Cover Letter – expressing the reason for your interest in HBR, and how your skills and experiences match the Executive Director role.
- Resume
