Here are some new names to remember when booking clients to Maui: Michael Stephens (pictured) is the first general manager and Anita Rahman will be director of sales and marketing at the upcoming Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort & Spa. The property will be the brand's first Andaz resort when it opens next spring.
Stephens' 26-year career with Hyatt started in 1986 as an assistant restaurant manager at Hyatt Regency Miami. He later went on to hold various operations positions throughout the country including sales manager at Hyatt Regency O'Hare and later executive assistant manager positions at the former Hyatt Regency Wilshire (Los Angeles), Hyatt Regency Alicante (Orange County, CA), Hyatt Regency Newport Beach and Hyatt Regency San Antonio. In 2002, Stephens was named General Manager, Hyatt Regency Lexington (Kentucky) and in 2004, moved to Grand Hyatt DFW as general manager. Prior to his new assignment in Maui, Stephens was the general manager of Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch in Scottsdale, Arizona.
In 2009, Stephens received the "General Manager of the Year" award by the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, Arizona chapter; and Where magazine's Silver Plum award naming Stephens "General Manager of the Year."
Anita Rahman started her career with Hyatt in 2000 as a catering and conference service manager at Park Hyatt San Francisco. In 2005, Rahman moved to the sales operation where she was a sales manager at both Park Hyatt San Francisco and, later, Grand Hyatt Seattle. In 2008, Rahman was promoted to associate director of sales for Grand Hyatt Seattle and the LEED certified Hyatt at Olive 8, guiding the Olive 8 property through its pre-opening and first year of operation. In 2010, Rahman was named Director of Sales and Catering at Andaz San Diego, a role she held for two years.