Oahu Chapter Meeting with Zach Hammond and Kelli Kao

Navigating a Successful Business Transition

Discover practical insights and local examples to help your family business plan a smooth, well-governed transition.

Preparing for a transition requires thoughtful planning, sound governance, and the right team of advisors. This session will guide family business owners through evaluating transition opportunities and timelines, assembling an advisory team, and exploring a range of ownership and succession options—including ESOP structures and legacy planning considerations.

Speakers will also share best practices and tools that strengthen governance and decision-making, along with insights on how external factors—such as tariffs, tax policy, and market trends—can influence transition planning. Real-world case studies and Hawai‘i-based examples will illustrate how family businesses have navigated these complex decisions, offering tangible strategies to help align strategy, timing, and legacy for a successful next chapter.

Check out more about our speakers:

Zachary Hammond is an Executive Director and member of J.P. Morgan Private Advisory, a cross-disciplinary group of over 100 global specialists who collaborate to deliver innovative and forward-thinking strategies, working closely with Private Bank Advisors to help clients make well-informed decisions and achieve their goals.

Zach is part of the Private Business Advisory team, where he works developing content and strategies for business owners on issues such as mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, pre-transaction planning and maintaining a legacy business over multiple generations.

Zach originally joined J.P. Morgan’s Closely Held Asset Management Group in 2016 as an Asset Manager responsible for conducting fundamental analysis on managed assets and their industries, completing annual valuations for closely held assets, and conducting buy/sell analysis. Prior to joining J.P. Morgan Private Advisory , Zach was a Director for a middle-market investment bank executing sell-side transactions for business owners.

Zach holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration specializing in Finance and Economics from The Ohio State University. He currently holds FINRA Series 79 and 63 licenses.

Kelli Domae Kao serves as a Vice President in the Hawaii market for the Commercial Banking group at J.P. Morgan. She specializes in fostering relationships with middle market companies by offering strategic advice and comprehensive financial solutions. Her mission is to support local mid-sized companies, helping them to grow, improve cash flow, manage payments and invest for the future. To achieve this, Kelli provides financial guidance along with a full suite of integrated banking solutions including commercial lending, working capital, cash management, equipment finance, merchant services and international banking services. She is committed to serving business owners of all backgrounds, including those who have been historically underserved, across a variety of industries, such as consumer products, food and beverage, manufacturing and professional services. Growing up in Hawaii and having recently moved back from the mainland, Kelli brings a unique perspective and holistic approach to each client.

Prior to joining the firm, Kelli was a Relationship Manager at MUFG Union Bank in Los Angeles. She began her banking career in 2006 at Bank of America where advanced from a support role to Vice President in Business Banking.

Kelli graduated with Honors from the University of California, Los Angeles earning a bachelor’s degree in Economics/International Area Studies. She is a member of the Asian Leadership Forum and multiple employee networks at the firm, where she has the opportunity to champion local community initiatives.

While in Los Angeles, Kelli discovered a passion for scuba diving and photography and enjoys doing both on her worldwide travels. She currently resides in Honolulu with her husband, son, daughter and corgi.