20 for the Next 20: Eddie Quan, Bank of Hawai‘i

The senior VP and director of institutional services in the Wealth Management Division views “service leadership as part of my DNA.”

Originally from Guam, Eddie Quan is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a decorated combat veteran. Coming from a military family, he strongly believes that leaders should also serve.

“My parents were servant leaders. We didn’t come from a tremendous number of means, but what really stuck with me was the ability to serve when you can and to care for the community,” he says. “I think of service leadership as part of my DNA.”

The economics major began his journey with Bank of Hawai‘i in 2010 and today he oversees more than $8 billion in assets. His efforts have resulted in 13% asset growth and 10% more clients, says Peter S. Ho, chairman and CEO of Bank of Hawai‘i.

“His innovative and thoughtful stewardship has generated significant revenue, but also catalyzed exponential growth in annual sales production, doubling it in three years,” says Ho.

Quan also heads up the bank’s captive insurance division. His strategic focus in this area has also led to a significant broadening of the bank’s business, and he’s recently expanded that focus to the burgeoning Japanese captive insurance market.

“It’s a key growth engine not just for BOH, but for the state,” Quan says. “We’re one of the top five domiciles (for captive insurance) in the country in terms of assets and overall economic benefits to our economy.”

Quan says he prioritizes anticipating customers’ needs and building trust and respect in business relationships. “I try to think deeply about how to solve complex problems and how best to serve.”

He also spends a lot of time volunteering, especially with military veterans suffering from mental illnesses, homelessness and food insecurity.

“My heartstring is really tied to military families and veterans who are going through severe challenges.”

Quan serves as chair of the Armed Services YMCA Investment Committee, volunteers with Child & Family Service, U.S. Vets and among the ALICE community – those working families that live paycheck to paycheck. He is also co-founder and co-chair of the bank’s Blue Brigade, an employee group for veterans and their allies.

“Quan’s leadership has undoubtedly contributed to Bank of Hawai‘i’s success,” Ho says. “His extraordinary accomplishments, his wholehearted dedication to service for others, and his forward-thinking influence make him a true trailblazer.”