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Leiala Dentino is a strategic operations and organizational leadership executive known for transforming hospitality organizations through scalable systems, culture-driven leadership, and enterprise-wide capability building. With more than 25 years of multi-unit and corporate leadership experience across renowned hospitality brands, she has led organizations through expansion, operational redesign, new business ventures, and large-scale training and development initiatives. 

Most recently, Leiala served as the Director of Learning & Development for Highgate Hotels Hawai‘i, where she established Learning & Development as a new enterprise function across 16+ hotels and resorts statewide. She built the training infrastructure from the ground up, launched Highgate’s signature hospitality program, and standardized HR orientation and compliance frameworks—strengthening organizational consistency, elevating guest experience, and improving workforce engagement across O‘ahu, Maui, and Kaua‘i. 

Previously, Leiala was Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations for Kei Concepts, overseeing operational systems, new business ventures, and leadership development for a rapidly growing restaurant group. Her work streamlined cross-departmental processes, improved productivity, and ensured 100% readiness for new restaurant openings. 

During her tenure as Vice President of Training & Development at El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc., she led enterprise-wide training for nearly 500 restaurants across seven states, designed the brand’s LMS ecosystem, and delivered measurable improvements in turnover, safety, customer satisfaction, and operational performance. She also held executive roles at Benihana Inc. and Roy’s Restaurants, where she guided organizational expansion, culture building, performance management, and multi-unit operations. 

Leiala is recognized for her heart-centered leadership style, her ability to align strategy with culture, and her commitment to developing leaders at every level. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Collins College of Hospitality Management and has been honored with the La Grande Dame Award for her contributions to the hospitality industry. 

She continues to champion organizational excellence, people development, and the advancement of hospitality professionals across the industry.