Outrigger Hospitality Group Strengthens Sustainability Commitments with Appointment of New ESG Director, Here is the Update

Published on October 2, 2025

Outrigger Hospitality Group has confirmed the appointment of Karen Kurosawa as director of environmental, social and governance (ESG), further reinforcing its global focus on responsible tourism and corporate accountability. The announcement underlines the company’s position that ESG is not an auxiliary initiative but an essential component of its identity and operations across international markets.

Kurosawa brings a solid track record in environmental leadership and corporate sustainability. Prior to her new role, she served as an accounts manager with CDP Reporter Services in New York. During her tenure, she provided advisory support to Fortune 500 companies on matters of emissions verification, environmental disclosure and alignment with established global frameworks. These frameworks included the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol) and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Her academic background includes a Master of Arts in Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University, providing a strong foundation for data-driven sustainability oversight and informed decision-making.

ESG at the Core of Outrigger’s Operations

Outrigger Hospitality Group has emphasized that ESG considerations remain central to its operational strategy and brand philosophy. Monica Salter, the company’s vice president of global communications and social responsibility, explained in an official release that Kurosawa’s proven capabilities in ESG reporting and data analysis would enhance the group’s ability to measure progress with precision. Salter added that the appointment would also accelerate initiatives designed to safeguard the oceans, support employees and communities and generate long-term value across its global portfolio.

This direction reflects Outrigger’s belief that tourism and hospitality must actively contribute to environmental protection and social responsibility. By embedding ESG into the foundation of its operations, the group continues to strengthen its role as a responsible global hospitality leader.

Strengthening Data and Sustainability Oversight

In her capacity as ESG director, Kurosawa will oversee the systematic collection, evaluation and reporting of environmental data from all properties within the company’s international portfolio. This responsibility forms part of Outrigger’s wider commitment to expanding its sustainability goals and aligning measurable action with brand values.

A significant element of this strategy is the Outrigger Zone, the group’s conservation initiative that engages guests, staff and community members in collective efforts to protect the health of oceans and coral reefs. Through this program, stakeholders are actively encouraged to participate in marine preservation, sustainability workshops and environmental awareness campaigns that create lasting impact beyond hotel stays.

Expanding Education and Partnerships

Additional responsibilities in Kurosawa’s remit will include expanding educational programs to strengthen sustainability awareness among guests and hosts, as well as fostering closer collaboration with external organizations dedicated to the preservation of marine ecosystems. These partnerships will serve to broaden the reach of Outrigger’s conservation work and enhance the company’s long-standing reputation as a hospitality group that prioritizes environmental stewardship alongside guest experiences.

By ensuring that both internal teams and external partners are aligned with these goals, Outrigger strengthens its ability to deliver meaningful progress on its sustainability commitments. The company’s proactive approach underscores the hospitality industry’s growing responsibility to balance guest satisfaction with global environmental challenges.

The appointment demonstrates Outrigger Hospitality Group’s continued efforts to integrate sustainability leadership within its organizational structure. By appointing a dedicated director of ESG, the company reinforces its commitment to responsible hospitality practices and the protection of natural resources. This approach not only highlights the brand’s dedication to sustainable tourism but also ensures that environmental, social and governance standards remain a driving force in its global business operations.