MAUI, Hawaii – [August 24, 2026] -– Hilton is thrilled to announce the appointment of Jon Gersonde as managing director of Grand Wailea Maui, A Waldorf Astoria Resort.
A respected luxury hospitality leader with more than 28 years of experience, Gersonde will lead the hotel with strategic oversight of all departments, with a goal of optimizing financial & commercial performance, developing high-performing teams, championing the resort’s commitment to Hawaiian culture and sustainability, and ensuring an exceptional guest experience aligned with Hilton’s standard of excellence.
Most recently, Gersonde served as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua where he led one of the island’s premier resorts. Prior to that, he held the role of Vice President & Managing Director at Turtle Bay Resort on Oʻahu. His distinguished career also includes executive leadership positions as Vice President of Operations, Managing Director, and General Manager at renowned properties including 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, The Royal Hawaiian, Kapalua Bay Hotel, and The Westin Maui.
“Grand Wailea is a longstanding icon of Maui hospitality and it’s an honor to be trusted with its remarkable legacy and exceptional team,” said Jon Gersonde, managing director, Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort. “I look forward to building on that legacy by supporting the team that brings it to life each day, while thoughtfully guiding the resort forward into its next chapter.”
Gersonde has built a reputation for operational excellence, cultivating high-performing teams, and delivering exceptional guest experiences. He is deeply connected to Hawaiʻi and is passionate about advancing sustainability, regenerative tourism, community engagement, and preserving the rich culture and traditions that make the islands so unique.
Grand Wailea Area Managing Director JP Oliver shares, “Jon is one of the most respected luxury resort leaders in Hawaiʻi, and his appointment to Grand Wailea represents a natural progression built on decades of exceptional leadership across the islands. From Kapalua Bay Resort and 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay on Kauaʻi, to Turtle Bay on Oʻahu’s North Shore, and most recently The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Jon has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to elevate iconic destinations while fostering deep relationships within the local community and honoring the unique culture of Hawaiʻi. His combination of operational excellence, luxury hospitality expertise, and authentic understanding of the Hawaiian spirit will ensure a seamless transition. We are incredibly excited about the future of Grand Wailea under Jon’s leadership and are confident his vision, passion, and commitment to excellence will further strengthen the resort’s position as Hawaiʻi’s premier luxury destination.”
As managing director, Gersonde will lead the resort across its 795 rooms, inclusive of 58 suites, with 50 luxury villas at Hoʻolei, cornerstone wellness destination Kilolani Spa & Salon, and five standout dining venues including the island’s first Nobu, flagship seafood & steakhouse restaurant Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, chef-inspired Italian dining outlet Olivine, and Botero Lounge at the heart of the resort. Gersonde will further cement the resort’s commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality while fostering a workplace rooted in collaboration, respect, innovation, and aloha.
