Catalina Island Company announced today that Randall L. Herrel Sr., president and chief executive officer, will be retiring at the end of the year. Geoffrey C. Rusack, currently executive chairman of the board, will succeed Herrel as president and CEO on Jan. 1, 2021.
The Island Company is the largest private employer on Catalina.
Herrel joined the company in 2007 as chief operating officer, rising to his current position of president and CEO in 2009. He serves as a member of the company’s board of directors, is a director of the Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation board and formerly sat on the board of the Catalina Island Museum.
“Under Randy’s leadership, he and the management team developed a new vision, along with business strategies that repositioned the company’s portfolio of hotels, restaurants, beachfront venues, camping, tours and activities on Catalina Island. Customer service at these and other company locations was enhanced, improving the visitor experience,” Rusack said.
“Quality levels at many of the Island Company’s venues were improved, also enhancing the visitor experience. Throughout the countless hours of business meetings, we have spent with Randy, we have valued not only his dedication to the Company and Catalina, but his friendship, as have so many of us in the community. We will miss him deeply,” Rusack said.
During Herrel’s tenure, he strengthened the company’s infrastructure to support the new business model. Information technology systems were upgraded, safer, high quality vehicles relaced older ones, employee housing was added and selected existing employee housing was improved.
New management processes were implemented to enhance communication and decision making. Herrel also bolstered the management team, as well as relationships with key island stakeholders.
“It has been a tremendous honor to be the 2nd non-family CEO in the company’s history, and to have led the company through a business renaissance positioning it as a resort without walls,” said Herrel.
“After serving as President and/or CEO of companies for almost 25 years, Carol and I look forward to spending more time with our family, traveling across America and serving on company and nonprofit boards. I will truly miss being part of the island community. Thank you for making me feel such a part of Catalina. The history, charm and natural beauty of the island will be part of me forever. May God bless you and your families,” said Herrel.
