Patrick “Rick” D. Ching, who has worked for Servco Pacific Inc. for 31 years in a variety of positions, has been promoted to president of the Honolulu-based company. He will take over his new duties April 1.

Ching, 59, succeeds Eric Fukunaga, who will retire as president March 31, Servco said Monday. Fukunaga, 63, who joined Servco in 1977 after serving in the Army, will continue in an advisory role as vice chairman of Servco’s board.

Fukunaga’s cousin Mark Fukunaga, 60, is chairman and CEO of Servco.

During his tenure Eric Fukunaga, who took over as president in 1994, and his cousin Mark streamlined Servco’s operations by exiting a number of businesses to focus on the company’s core holdings of automotive products, insurance services and home appliance distribution. Servco’s recent achievements include expanding its automotive business to Australia and its insurance business to the Pacific Northwest, as well as exceeding $1 billion in gross revenue for the first time in company history.

“Helping lead Servco has been a deeply rewarding and fulfilling experience on a personal and professional level,” Eric Fukunaga said. “I’m proud to have contributed to the success of Servco the same way my grandfather, father and uncle have before me.”

Eric’s and Mark’s fathers, Tom and George, respectively, were brothers and led the company prior to them. Eric and Mark’s grandfather, Peter Fukunaga, founded Servco in 1919.

“We are all so thankful for Eric’s contributions to our company,” Mark Fukunaga said. “His leadership has been instrumental in Servco’s unprecedented success. … We are also fortunate to have such a longtime and valued employee like Rick Ching step in … to help guide our international growth.”

Ching, who is currently executive vice president and chief operating officer, will retain his COO title while taking on the added responsibility of president. He joined the company in 1985 in the corporate finance area.

“While we continue to grow throughout the Pacific, I look forward to continuing Servco’s commitment to our people, customers and the communities we have the pleasure to serve,” Ching said.

Privately held Servco, which was founded as a two-car repair garage, is the Toyota, Lexus, Scion and Subaru distributor for Hawaii, with Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Subaru, Chevrolet and Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge automotive dealerships in Hawaii and Australia. It also has insurance brokerage offices in Hawaii, Oregon and Washington and home appliance operations that distribute products throughout Hawaii and American territories in the Pacific.