Longtime food and beverage industry executive George Szigeti will succeed Congressional candidate Mufi Hannemann as president and CEO of the Hawaii Lodging & Tourism Association effective July 9.

The association’s board of directors announced the appointment this morning.

Szigeti has been president and CEO of Better Brands Ltd., a wholesaler and distributor of beer, wine and spirits, since 1997. He is a past president of the Hawaii Food Industry Association, board member of the Hawaii Restaurant Association and has served in leadership roles in other industry organizations as well.

"There won’t be a steep learning curve for George because he’s been an active member of the HLTA and knows lodging and tourism through his success in the supply and retail sides of the visitor industry," Hannemann said in a statement.

Hannemann assumed leadership of the group in 2011, succeeding Murray Towill who retired.