Tony S. Vericella joined Island Partners Hawaii, a local destination management company, as managing director on Monday.

Vericella, the former CEO of the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HCVB), also was named a partner with Island Partners' parent company SHG, responsible for overall corporate planning.

Island Partners was formed 10 years ago and specialized on corporate meetings and incentives. In January 2004, Island Partners merged with two other smaller destination companies - Tropical Temptations and Island Incentives.

SHG acquired Island Partners in fall 2004. SHG also owns Seattle Hospitality Services, a destination management company in Washington State.

Bringing Vericella on board is part of Island Partners' expansion strategy.

"SHG's corporate vision includes expansion into other tourism industry segments and markets," said H.S. Wright III, chairman of SHG. "With Vericella, we have someone with proven ability to guide our strategic growth nationally and internationally and, at the same time, extend the brand and services of Island Partners Hawaii. He is the leader to get the job done in collaboration with the outstanding team we have in place."

Vericella, who headed HVCB from 1997 to 2003, left the bureau in a cloud of controversy sparked by a state financial audit that found inconsistencies in bookkeeping.

After that, Vericella facilitated projects in China ranging from tourism management training and destination marketing to film production and the creation of entertainment shows.

"I'm excited to be joining these two companies," said Vericella. "This is an outstanding opportunity, and I'm looking forward to collaborating with people who share a common long-term vision."