In December 2009, Chris Tatum was named to his current position as head of Marriott’s operations in Hawaii, the South Pacific and North Asia.

HONOLULU — Chris Tatum, Marriott International area vice president for North Asia, Hawaii and the South Pacific, has been elected chairman of the Hawaii Hotel

& Lodging Association (HHLA) for the next year.

He will work with the HHLA executive staff and board of directors in developing strategic plans, goals, legislative positions and community programs on behalf of the association’s statewide membership of 170 hotels, condominiums, timeshares and other lodging entities representing over 48,000 guest rooms.

Tatum grew up in Hawaii and began his career with Marriott International in 1981 when he helped open the Maui Marriott Resort & Ocean Club at Kaanapali. He subsequently held leadership positions with Marriott in the Mainland United States, Asia and Australia. 

Since returning to Hawaii in 2001, he has served as general manager of the Renaissance Wailea Beach Resort, JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa at Ko

Olina, and most recently the 1,300-room Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

Tatum is currently chairman of the Oahu Visitors Bureau. He also serves on the boards of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, American Red Cross-Hawaii State Chapter and the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii.