Ex-Bankoh president now a Dole executive

Advertiser Staff and News Services

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. — Richard Dahl, who stepped down as president of Pacific Century Financial Corp. and Bank of Hawaii in March after 21 years with the company, has been named chief financial officer at Dole Food Co., the largest producer of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Dahl, who will also be vice president of Dole, replaces Kenneth Kay, who will leave the company to pursue other interests, Dole said in a statement.

In his eight years as president of Bank of Hawaii, Dahl oversaw the bank's rapid expansion and later withdrawal from the Pacific Rim. In April, Bank of Hawaii's parent, Pacific Century Financial Corp., changed its name to Bank of Hawaii Corp., reflecting a new focus closer to home.

Dahl comes to Dole as the company tries to cut costs by striking more-favorable contracts with suppliers.

Dahl will be based at Dole headquarters in Westlake Village, Calif., and plans to move his family to the area, said Dole spokeswoman Freya Maneki. She would not say what his salary will be.

Dahl collected as much as $4.5 million in bonuses when he left Bank of Hawaii, according to the company's regulatory filing.

Michael O'Neill, the bank's chairman and chief executive, said Dahl played a major part in restructuring the company and the bonuses reflected that role.