Ex-Hyatt GM Issa takes reins at Palms Resort

The former general manager of Hyatt Regency Saipan, Mustafa S. Issa, is now the new general manager of Palms Resort and Spa, Saipan, according to a statement issued by the resort’s owners yesterday.

Issa used to work at the Hyatt from May 1996 to October 2001.

Issa was born in Egypt and moved to Australia after his graduation, and holds both Egyptian and Australian citizenships. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Commerce with a double major in finance and economics, and received a postgraduate diploma from Sydney, Australia, where he majored in marketing.

Issa worked with Hyatt International while serving in Australia, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Saipan, Guam and finally Osaka, before his retirement. He has held multiple positions in rooms, marketing and management.

Prior to his original move to Saipan, he held the position of Director of Marketing, Australia Pacific, representing Hyatt International, based in Sydney.

Issa retired from Hyatt after 34 years of service and 40 years in the hospitality industry.

Russ Snow, president of Palms Resort owner, United Micronesia Development Association, said: “We feel very fortunate to have Mustafa available to support our ongoing efforts to improve the performance of the resort, and help us achieve our ultimate goals with this property.”

“Mustafa has a wealth of knowledge and contacts within the tourism industry and is exactly the person we need to head our management team,” added Snow.

Issa said that he is very excited at the opportunity to manage such an excellent property and just as excited “that I am back on Saipan. Saipan always felt like home to me, and returning to our island was a very easy decision.”

“With the support of UMDA, I am confident that we will continue to create a world class resort property that will be the best product within Micronesia.”

UMDA chair Joe Lifoifoi remembers Issa from his previous assignments on Saipan, and noted, “Our entire board of directors is enthusiastic that Mustafa has accepted the position as our general manager, and we will support his every effort as we improve the Palms Resort and Spa for not only our guests, but the local community as well.”

Hiroyuki Saito, who has served the resort as general manager on an interim basis, will return to his full time responsibilities as Director of Asset Management and Chief Financial Officer, at UMDA. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]