The Ohio State athletic department has bid aloha to Ben Jay.

Jay has been hired as the University of Hawaii’s athletic director, according to a Friday release from Hawaii. A Columbus native, Jay had served as OSU’s executive associate athletics director for finance and operations for six years.

“I am delighted that Ben is joining us as UH Athletics Director, and know that he will be a great addition to our Mānoa ‘ohana with his vision and strong finance, accounting and compliance background,” UH chancellor Tom Apple said in a release. “His extensive experience with the Pac-10 (now Pac-12) Conference, and Division I sports in general, will be invaluable in raising the University’s athletics and academics profiles nationally.”

In the release, OSU athletic director Gene Smith said Jay will be missed in Columbus.

“I am extremely proud and happy for Ben Jay and his family,” Smith said. “Ben is a seasoned professional in intercollegiate athletics who will be sorely missed at OSU, but the University of Hawaii will benefit from his great leadership.”

Jay’s salary, start date at Hawaii have not been released to the public yet. 

Despite the hiring, Jay was back in Columbus in time to celebrate the OSU football team’s perfect-season celebration at St. John Arena. He wore a black-leather OSU jacket during the event.

Jay declined The Lantern’s request for comment during the football team event on Friday.