Aokis Running Westin
Westin Hotels & Resorts has named Chieko N. Aoki chief executive, in addition to her current duties as deputy chairman of the chain. She succeeds Harry Mullikin, 62, who is retiring as chairman and chief executive after a dozen years in those posts.
John H. Aoki, president and chief executive of Aoki Corp., becomes chairman of the hotel chain. The husband-and-wife team are taking the helm at Westin 14 months after buying the chain, which has headquarters in Seattle and operates 65 hotels worldwide. Aoki Corp. is a major Japanese construction firm.
“I’ve been with the company for 48 years,” said Mullikin, who started working at a Westin hotel in Wenatchaee, Wash., at age 14 as an elevator operator. “My wife and I kind of think it would nicer to spend more time sailing and having a nicer life.”
He will become chairman emeritus and a senior adviser to the Aokis.
Larry B. Magnan continues as Westin’s president and John Chen as vice chairman.
Sign up for The Wild
We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
