Central Pacific Financial Corp. announced the appointment of Arnold Martines as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2023. Martines, 58, who is currently President and Chief Operating Officer, will become President and CEO of the company.

He is succeeding Paul Yonamine, 65, who is retiring to become Chairman Emeritus of Central Pacific Financial Corp. Ever since joining CPB in 2004, Martines has distinguished himself and the bank. He is a true champion of small business, advocating for this important customer segment. During the pandemic, he led the bank's Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a key lifeline for local small businesses. More recently, Martines played a key role in the implementation of RISE 2020, a multi-faceted renovation and rebranding program that invested $40 million in the bank's branches, ATMs, and digital platforms, as well as the redevelopment of Central Pacific Plaza, the bank's landmark building in downtown Honolulu.

With 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Martines joined CPB in 2004 and has held various executive leadership positions within the company, including President and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Banking Officer.  He attended Honokaa High School, the University of Hawaii at Manoa and is a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. Active in various community causes and charities, Martines currently serves on the board of the Aloha Council - Boy Scouts of America (past chair), Child and Family Service (past chair) and the YMCA of Honolulu. He is also a Trustee of Saint Louis School.

Yonamine plans to stay involved in business and community causes in Hawaii and Japan as well as serving as an advisor to Martines and remaining on the board of the bank and holding company. He will also continue to serve on the boards of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation of Japan (SMBC), Seven & i Holdings Co. Ltd., Japan (7-Eleven), Circlace Co Ltd., Japan, and the U.S.-Japan Council.

In Hawaii, he will remain on the board of the Pacific International Center of High Technology Research (PICHTR).