Locations founder resumes post after CEO resigns
HONOLULU — Scott Higashi has abruptly resigned as president and CEO of Locations LLC, one of the state’s largest residential real estate brokerage firms.
He did not give a reason for his June 3 resignation, said Dan Richards, a company spokesman. Higashi joined Locations in 2004 and was executive vice president of sales before taking over the reins in August 2016 when founder Bill Chee stepped down.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but the board accepted it and respected his wishes and privacy in not citing a reason,” Richards said.
The board has appointed executive adviser Chee as interim CEO, while a search for Higashi’s replacement is underway.
Chee credited Higashi for the company’s strong operational performance and financial condition. Higashi also held leadership positions at commercial real estate firm Colliers International, Hawaiian Airlines and American Hawaii Cruises before he joined Locations.
“Locations is well positioned strategically,” said Chee, who established the firm in his Punchbowl apartment with two partners in 1969. The firm now has more than 250 agents. “And we have a leadership team in place to provide our agents and customers with services that will continue to lead the market.”
Chee was previously president of the National Association of Realtors, Hawaii Association of Realtors and Honolulu Board of Realtors.
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