Execs named in Pension Reserve Fund, Condado Collection, Public Relations board and Mitsubishi

This edition of Climbing the Corporate Ladder spans industries, with executive appointments in pensions, tourism, PR and the automotive sector.

Akitoshi Ogawa named president, CEO of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Caribbean
Mitsubishi Motor Sales of Caribbean Inc. (MMSC) has appointed Akitoshi Ogawa as its new president and CEO in Puerto Rico. Ogawa brings significant experience from his time with Mitsubishi Motors in Japan and China. 

“Under his tutelage, we will continue our growth trajectory to further enhance the relationship with our customers and with our commitment to providing high safety and quality products,” said Madelene Nieves, vice president of MMSC.

With a 19-year career at Mitsubishi Motor Corp., Ogawa has a solid background in operations, logistics and strategic planning, MMSC pointed out. 

“It is an honor and a privilege to assume this new position as president and CEO of MMSC in Puerto Rico. I am committed to working tirelessly to serve our community, contribute to progress and protect the environment of Puerto Rico with sustainable vehicles like the Outlander PHEV,” said Ogawa.

New Pension Benefits Council
The nine members of the Pension Reserve Fund’s Pension Benefits Council began their duties this week, servinf until December 2028, to “ensure that the government of Puerto Rico meets its obligations to certain retirees and active employees with defined pension benefits, as provided in the Plan of Adjustment certified by the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.”

All members met the established requirements to begin their posts, including orientation on the Pension Reserve Fund and the Benefits Council, and official acceptance of the position.

Of the members, five are retired and one is an active employee elected by their peers from the retirement systems of the Central Government, Teachers and Judiciary and government employees. The selection took place between August and September and was conducted by the Pension Benefits Council during the transition period (Transitional Council). The remaining three members are designees from Servidores Públicos Unidos/AFSCME, the Financial Oversight and Management Board, and the governor of Puerto Rico.

Elected retirees and active employees are:

Central Government Employee Retirement System: Pablo Crespo-Claudio and Sonia M. Palacios de Miranda

Teachers Retirement System: Félix Figueroa-Correa and Ana M. Serrano-Reyes

Judicial Retirement System: Carlos A. Cabán-García

Active Employee: Carlos Manuel Román-Espada

The appointed members are:

United Public Servants/AFSCME: Jessica Martínez-Santos

Oversight Board: Jason Fichtner

Governor of Puerto Rico: Omar Marrero (represented by Rita González-Montalvo)

Condado Collection appoints new GM at Condado Ocean Club Hotel
Rolando Padua, president of Paulson Puerto Rico, has appointed Betsy Mujica as the new general manager of Condado Ocean Club Hotel, part of The Condado Collection portfolio.

With a strong track record in the hospitality industry, Mujica “will bring her innovative vision to lead the hotel to new heights of distinction and exceptional service,” he said.

Beginning her hospitality career in 1995, Mujica has served in key sales and marketing roles at renowned island hotels. She said that having worked at the hotel before its inauguration was extremely important because she has played a leading role in its transition and growth, working daily to incorporate a variety of details and meaningful elements.

Mujica’s management strategy prioritizes the guest experience, but also the hotel work team, of whom she said: “I am privileged to have their unconditional support, and I recognize that it is thanks to them that we have achieved everything we have achieved. I consider it crucial to continue strengthening our connection, not only as a show of gratitude to them, but also to repay the trust they have placed in me.”

Governor adds new member to Public Relations Regulatory Board
Gov. Pedro Pierluisi recently appointed Carlos D. Ramos-Domenech to the Public Relations Regulatory Board for a four-year term that ends Feb. 26, 2028.

With more than 15 years in communications, and an active member of the Puerto Rico Public Relations Professionals Association since 2006, Ramos-Domenech is a licensed practitioner (R-12) by the Puerto Rico State Department.

He has extensive experience in the executive and legislative branches, with his current position as the director of communications of the Government Retirement Board. Ramos-Domenech holds a master’s degree in communication arts and a bachelor’s in communications and advertising from Sacred Heart University.