Business Briefs: AK Guam names new executives; Bank of Guam announces APIA scholars: SBDC Saipan workshop for CNMI veterans

Atkins Kroll appoints new department heads

Alex Jones

Atkins Kroll, Inc. Guam announced two key leadership appointments, reinforcing its strategy to shape the future of mobility in Guam and Saipan.

Alex Jones has been appointed commercial director. Jones brings more than 15 years of international automotive experience, primarily with Japanese OEMs across South America and Asia. Since joining Inchcape in 2011, he has held senior leadership roles spanning brand development, market expansion, and business transformation.

Most recently, Jones served as Global Business Development director for Inchcape’s Digital Parts Platform, where he spearheaded OEM partnerships and supported international market launches. 

In his new role as commercial director at Atkins Kroll, Jones will oversee the Sales Department and Rental Department. He will lead AK’s multi-brand sales organization across Toyota, Lexus, Chevrolet, and BMW, driving strategies to deliver seamless, customer-first buying experiences while strengthening market share in Guam and Saipan.

Jones succeeds longtime AK leader Tom Mazzei, who will retire in February 2026 after a distinguished career in the automotive industry. 

Douglas "Eric" Green

Douglas “Eric” Green has been appointed After-sales director. Green brings nearly 30 years of automotive experience, including over 18 years in fixed operations leadership across franchise and independent dealerships.

His expertise in service operations, customer experience, and technician development will be pivotal in elevating AK’s aftersales performance and ensuring greater alignment with OEM partners. 

Throughout his career, Green has successfully led multi-location aftersales teams across Texas, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky. He has implemented digital inspection systems, optimized service processes, and consistently delivered measurable improvements in productivity and customer satisfaction.

With a foundation as a certified diesel technician, Green also brings valuable technical insight to leading complex, high-performing service teams. 

Bank of Guam scholars to get $10K each over four years

Bank of Guam announced the 2025–2026 APIA scholars under its program that seeks to invest in the next generation of leaders from Guam and the Micronesia region.

APIA Scholars (Asian Pacific Islanders American Scholars) is the nation’s leading non-profit organization supporting Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander students and eligible students.

As part of the bank’s partnership and sponsorship with APIA scholars, each 

recipient will receive a total of $10,000 over four years in $2,500 installments annually, as well as access to APIA Scholars’ College-to-Career success programs.

This year’s cohort includes the following five students:

·    Charles Joseph “CJ” Baybay, from Saipan, attending Northern Marianas College and majoring in Business

·    Ivan D. Filethin, from Yap, attending the University of Hawaii at Mānoa and majoring in Mechanical Engineering

·    Marsandrea H. Russel from Pohnpei, attending Oral Roberts University and majoring in Criminal Justice

·    Evangeline A. Taitingfong from Saipan, attending the University of Texas at San Antonio and majoring in Child Psychology

·    An additional scholar from Saipan prefers not to be named.

"For more than a decade, Bank of Guam has invested in tomorrow’s leaders through various scholarships that have opened doors for students from across our region," said Joaquin PLG Cook, the bank's president.

"Bank of Guam’s deep-rooted belief in supporting local students and our shared future has made a lasting difference in the lives of so many young people. Their investment is not only financial — it is a meaningful commitment to investing in the potential of this next generation," said Noël S. Harmon, president

of APIA Scholars.

Operation: Business Excellence

Saipan–The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at the Northern Marianas College will hold a business workshop this week for Northern Marianas veterans who may be interested in starting their own business.

Organized in partnership with the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s Armed Forces Committee, the workshop "Operation: Business Excellence" is a specialized training designed to equip veterans and their families with the guidance, resources and confidence to turn their military experience into entrepreneurial success.

The training will take place on Sept. 26 at the CNMI Innovation Incubator Office at 3290 Beach Road Plaza, Unit #5, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The training will introduce participants to valuable business resources and guidance while exploring the use of technology to assist with marketing, starting or developing their existing businesses.

By fostering a strong connection between veterans and the local business community, the program aims to create a pathway to sustainable economic growth for both veterans and their families. 

Veterans will be introduced to the wide range of programs and services offered by the SBDC. Participants will learn how to access tools, guidance, and networks designed to support their entrepreneurial mission.