Hawaiian Airlines Vice President - Sales and Marketing, Kirk Smith dies in Honolulu

On Sunday in Honolulu, Kirk Smith, Hawaiian Airlines Vice President Sales and Marketing, died suddenly.

Mr Smith was well known and highly respected in the industry. He recently played a key role in establishing Hawaiian’s image in Australia when the carrier launched its Sydney – Honolulu services in 2004.

Mark Dunkerley, the airline’s Chief Executive Officer and President, said, “Kirk was responsible for keeping our product Hawaiian and for developing our brand in such a way that it remains true to our local roots and appealing to our customers. 

“He oversaw our advertising activities and in so doing turned our brand into the single most widely recognised airline brand for Hawaii travel.”

Scott Cammell, Hawaiian’s Sales and Marketing Manager Australia, said, “In Australia, Kirk put the Hawaii into Hawaiian, and was committed to establishing us as the airline of choice for the destination.

“He ensured that we were seen not only as an airline flying to Hawaii, but as the only airline which knew the destination intimately, and offered the ultimate Hawaiian service,” said Mr Cammell.

Mr Smith joined Hawaiian in January, 2004, from the airline’s advertising agency, Starr Seigle Communications. Initially, his role was Senior Director-Advertising and Promotions, before his promotion last year to Vice President-Sales and Marketing.

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