Jack Richards to Retire from Pleasant Holidays; New CEO Named

Longtime Pleasant Holidays President and CEO Jack E. Richards will step down from his role at the end of January 2025, the tour company announced Tuesday.

Richards, who will conclude an almost five-decade career in the travel industry, spent more than 17 years with Pleasant Holidays. During his tenure, he transformed the company from a Hawaii-focused tour operator into a global force with offerings in 84 countries, including cruises. He also guided the company through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It has been an incredible honor to lead and serve this great company for over 17 years as president & CEO. I am extremely proud of what we accomplished and am forever grateful to the Pleasant Holidays team,” Richards said. “The company is well-positioned for long-term growth and continued success.”

David Hu, former CEO of Classic Vacations, will succeed Richards. Hu led Classic for more than a decade before leaving in February 2022. He has also served on the boards of Starwood Hotels and the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau.

In a statement, Hu said Pleasant Holidays is “a company I have greatly admired from afar” and that he is “excited and humbled to be part of it.”