20 for the Next 20: Kisan Jo’s Journey at Central Pacific Bank
Quick Facts
- Kisan Jo is the executive vice president of retail markets and operations at Central Pacific Bank.
- He has 12 years of experience in the hospitality industry, previously serving as president of Prince Resorts Hawaii.
- Jo has launched a new client experience platform and a branch technology platform at CPB, improving customer relations and internal workflows.
- He is a board member for Aloha United Way and a mentor for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii.
- Jo has earned an MBA from the University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business and has graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School.
Kisan Jo: A Trailblazer in Banking Leadership
The hospitality and banking industries may seem like vastly different worlds, but Kisan Jo has successfully navigated both and is now rising to the top as a leader in banking. As a 12-year veteran of Prince Resorts Hawaii and current executive vice president of retail markets and operations at Central Pacific Bank, Jo’s unique combination of experience and expertise has earned him recognition as a top rising star in the industry.
At its core, Jo believes that the fundamentals of hospitality and banking are remarkably similar. It’s a people business whether it’s hospitality or banking, he says. It’s about how we treat people, how we provide great customer service. This mindset has been instrumental in his success, as Jo has been able to leverage his hospitality background to drive innovation and enhance customer relations at CPB.
Jo’s journey to the top began in 2011, when he joined Prince Resorts Hawaii as president. After 12 years in this role, he made the switch to CPB in 2021, where he quickly made a name for himself as a change agent. As executive VP of retail markets and operations, Jo focused on initiatives that drive innovation and enhance customer relations, earning him a reputation as a thought leader in the industry.
One of Jo’s most significant accomplishments at CPB has been the launch of a new client experience platform designed to collect feedback that can be turned into action. This platform has been instrumental in helping the bank meet the evolving needs of its customers, and has been praised for its effectiveness in improving customer relations.
Jo has also spearheaded the launch of a branch technology platform that gives employees advanced tools to improve client experiences and internal workflows, making the bank more efficient and cost-effective. These initiatives have not only improved customer satisfaction but have also helped CPB to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly changing financial industry.
But Jo’s success is not just about the numbers; it’s also about the people. As a leader, he is known for his ability to empower his team members to make a positive difference for customers, community, and each other. Kisan has made an impact by enabling his team members to make a positive difference for our customers, community and each other, says CPB chairman, president, and CEO Arnold Martines. He has leveraged his past executive experience in finance and hospitality to become a valuable member of the bank’s executive leadership team.
Jo’s commitment to his team and his customers is just one aspect of his impressive leadership profile. As a lifelong learner, he is always looking for ways to improve and grow, both personally and professionally. He has earned an MBA at the University of Hawaii’s Shidler College of Business and has recently graduated from the Pacific Coast Banking School.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Jo is also committed to giving back to his community. As a board member for Aloha United Way and a mentor for the Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii, he is dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
But perhaps what sets Jo apart from his peers is his humility. Despite his many accomplishments, he remains gracious and down-to-earth, crediting his team for his success rather than taking credit himself. It’s not me; it’s the people around me, he says. Every single employee on the front line, no matter their level, are all doing a great job.
As we look ahead to the future of banking leadership, Kisan Jo is undoubtedly a trailblazer to watch. With his unique blend of hospitality and banking experience, his commitment to innovation and customer service, and his dedication to his team and community, he is poised to make a lasting impact on the industry. As we recognize him as a rising star in our 20 for the Next 20 series, we are excited to see what the future holds for this impressive leader.
