Who is where in travel 2024: Maldives Resorts add New Key Appointments

Updated 24 February, 2024

Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll Announces Key Appointments

Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll has appointed Steven D’Souza as the Director of Food & Beverage and Tammy Gan as the Assistant Director of Branding & Marketing. 

Steven D’Souza, originally from India, brings a wealth of experience in Food and Beverage, spanning 18 years within the hospitality industry. Armed with a Bachelor of Hotel Management degree, his career path has seen him accumulate invaluable pre-opening resort experience. Noteworthy is his extensive work across three continents, where Steve served as the Food and Beverage Division Head at Cap Jaluca, A Belmond Hotel in Anguilla. His career journey includes pivotal roles at esteemed locations such as Niyama Private Islands Maldives, The Nautilus Maldives, Anantara in Thailand, Raffles Hotels Canaouan Island, Buccament Bay Spa and Resort in St. Vincent & Grenadines, Anantara Kihavah Maldives, and Sheraton Jumeirah in Dubai. 

Meanwhile, hailing from the island nation of Singapore, Tammy boasts over 14 years of Marketing and Branding expertise in the hospitality sector. Her professional journey spans various countries across Southeast Asia to the Middle East and the Maldives, where she contributed to numerous properties. Tammy previously held the position of Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications at The Nautilus Maldives, along with roles at esteemed establishments like Gili Lankanfushi in Maldives, Laguna Banyan Tree Limited in Phuket, Anantara Hotels Resorts & Spa in UAE, and Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel. 

Komandoo Island Resort appoints Alexander Soosai as The Executive Chef

8Komandoo Island Resort, a distinguished member of Crown and Champa Resorts announced the promotion of Alexander Soosai to the position of Executive Chef.

Chef Alex’s culinary journey began with the pursuit of excellence, obtaining his Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering in 2005. He honed his skills as a commis chef in some of India’s most prestigious 5-star hotels before embarking on his Maldivian odyssey at Villa Hotels Royal Island Resort & Spa in 2008. Subsequently, he enriched his culinary repertoire at Coco Palm Resorts and LUX* Maldives, where his talent and dedication shone brightly.

In 2011, Chef Alex assumed the role of Chef de Partie, further demonstrating his culinary prowess at Lily Beach Resort & Spa. His tenure with Crown and Champa Resorts commenced in 2016 at Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, where he ascended through the ranks with diligence and determination. From Chef de Partie to Junior Sous Chef in 2018, and later to Sous Chef in 2021, Chef Alex’s commitment to culinary excellence and leadership has been unwavering.

Oaga Art Resort appoints new Island Chief and Resort Manager

8Oaga Art Resort, a renowned destination for art enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike, announced the promotion of two key members of its team: Samee Saeed has been appointed Island Chief Katheeb, and Nazim Mohamed, known as Naadhu, has been named Resort Manager.

Samee Saeed, a seasoned hospitality professional with over 18 years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role as Island Chief Katheeb. Having previously served as Resort Manager at Oaga, Samee possesses a deep understanding of the resort’s operations and brand values. In his new position, he will be responsible for overseeing a wide range of projects, from planning and organising to directing and managing, ensuring they align with the Board of Directors’ vision and contribute to the resort’s continued success.

Nazim Mohamed (Naadhu), with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, takes on the crucial role of Resort Manager. Naadhu has steadily climbed the ranks since his start as a Guest Relations Officer, demonstrating dedication and leadership qualities. His diverse experience, encompassing roles like Front Office Manager at various Maldivian resorts, equips him with an understanding of resort operations and guest service excellence. As Resort Manager, Naadhu will be responsible for planning, organising, directing, and managing all resort operations, ensuring they deliver the exceptional Oaga guest experience while maximising profitability and fostering employee engagement.

Oaga Art Resort appoints Laura Pagano as Spa, Health & Youth Manager

Oaga Art Resort of Maldives announced the well-deserved promotion of Laura Pagano to the position of Spa, Health & Youth Manager (SHY Manager). A seasoned wellness professional with a deep passion for holistic healing, Laura brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role. 

Laura’s journey with Oaga began even before the resort’s doors opened. As Spa Manager, she played a pivotal role in shaping Hoba Spa’s unique identity in collaboration with Hoba Spa’s Consultant and Maldivian Healer, Aishath Zulfishan (Xubba), infusing Xubba’s deep understanding of traditional Maldivian healing practices with her own dedication to personalised wellness experiences and deep understanding of modern-day spa therapies. Her unwavering commitment to her team’s growth and development has fostered a nurturing environment where creativity and innovation thrive, perfectly aligning with Oaga’s philosophy of organic community growth. 

Harshal Kumar Appointed as Cluster Executive Chef for Hurawalhi Island Resort & Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

Crown and Champa Resorts announced the appointment of Harshal Kumar as the Executive Chef for Hurawalhi Island Resort and Kudadoo Maldives Private Island.  With an illustrious culinary journey spanning years of dedication and expertise, Harshal brings a wealth of experience and innovation to his new role.

Harshal’s journey began with a graduation from the School of Hotel Management, HTMI Switzerland New Delhi,  laying the foundation for a remarkable career. He enhanced his skills at prestigious establishments such as The Claridges Hotels New Delhi and V Qutab Hotels & Resort, Mahindra Resorts, where he showcased his culinary proficiency and commitment to excellence. 

Throughout his distinguished career, Harshal has garnered numerous accolades,  including being a gold medalist in the South American Chef Competition and representing the Chef’s Culinary Forum of WACS. His talents have earned him global recognition, with collaborations alongside renowned chefs such as Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan and Michelin-starred chef Dominik Kappelar. Notable highlights of  Harshal’s journey include his tenure with Gordon Ramsay for his pop-up restaurant,  Bread Street Kitchen, at Amilla Fushi Maldives, where he elevated culinary experiences to new heights. His exceptional leadership and culinary vision led to his promotion to  Cluster Executive Chef for Kudadoo and Hurawalhi Island Resort in 2023. 

Kuredu Island Resort and Spa appoints Khemraj Bhatt as Executive Chef

Kuredu Island Resort and Spa, a proud member of Crown and Champa Resorts announced the promotion of Khemraj Bhatt to the position of Executive Chef.

With over 19 years of culinary expertise and leadership experience, Khemraj’s journey in the hospitality industry began as a Trainee at the renowned Grand Hyatt, New Delhi, in 2004. He later participated in a transformative Hotel Operational Program at Oberoi Hotels, which shaped his mindset and deepened his understanding of the hospitality industry.

Throughout his career, Khemraj has held various key roles, including Commis 1 at Radisson and Chef De Partie at IHG – Intercontinental Hotel Group Eros, where his exceptional talent and dedication to culinary excellence were evident. He further honed his skills at Hilton Hotel, India, before assuming roles of increasing responsibility at Foodhall and Kenilworth Hotels & Resorts, where he was recognized as the Best Hospitality Personality among Kolkata hotels.

In 2019, Khemraj embarked on his Maldivian journey with Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, showcasing his culinary prowess as Executive Chef for pre-opening Oblu Experience Ailafushi and Oblu Select Lobigili. Since joining Kuredu Island Resort and Spa as Executive Sous Chef in February 27, 2023, Khemraj has demonstrated exemplary leadership and culinary creativity, enriching the dining experiences of the guests.

Crown & Champa Resorts Welcomes Roberts Ejubs as Group Director of Operations

Crown and Champa Resorts, the preeminent hospitality group in the Maldives, announced the appointment of Roberts Ejubs as the Group Director of Operations, effective October 1st, 2023. 

Bringing a wealth of international experience spanning the United States, China, South Korea,  Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, Roberts is a seasoned professional with a  proven track record in the hospitality industry. Hailing from an Australian background,  Roberts’s career journey reflects a steadfast commitment to excellence and a profound passion for hospitality. 

With extensive expertise in senior executive corporate roles, Roberts specialises in sales,  marketing, revenue, distribution, and resort operations. His distinguished career includes leadership positions with both large global hotel operators and boutique companies,  affording him a comprehensive understanding of the industry landscape. 

As Group Director of Operations, Roberts is adept at managing and empowering large,  culturally diverse teams. His leadership ethos emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and a  relentless pursuit of excellence. With a keen focus on managing luxury hotels, resorts, and upscale properties, Roberts is dedicated to exceeding guest expectations at every touchpoint. 

Roberts has outlined ambitious goals for Crown & Champa Resorts, including enhancing,  driving, and developing a culture of intuitive, personalized service across the resort portfolio.  He aims to position CCR as the resort employer of choice in the Maldives, cultivate and mentor local talent, champion the Maldives as the preferred island resort destination globally,  foster close working partnerships with all resort stakeholders, and curate unique resort experiences. 

Zakwan Ahmed Joins Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives as the Director of Sales

Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, the five-star luxury resort in North Male’ Atoll, appointed Zakwan Ahmed as the Director of Sales. Zakwan brings with him over fifteen years of extensive experience and expertise in the Maldivian hospitality industry. As a Director of Sales, Zakwan will play a pivotal role in overseeing sales operations, managing relationships with key partners and travel agencies, negotiating contracts, and collaborating with various teams to ensure successful sales outcomes. Furthermore, he will be working on developing strategies to achieve sales targets for Kuda Villingili. His primary focus will be the German-speaking countries, Europe, and the UK market.

Prior to joining Kuda Villingili Resort, Zakwan held the role of Assistant Director of Sales at THE OZEN COLLECTION, where he not only showcased exceptional leadership but also acted as a brand representative at industry events, trade shows, and sales missions. His extensive experience includes representing various resorts in prominent locations across Europe, including Berlin, Tyrol, Neuschwanstein, Cannes, and more. Zakwan’s presence at international events allowed him to connect with partners on their home turf, providing valuable insights into market nuances. This firsthand knowledge has been instrumental in developing more effective sales strategies, a skill set he brings to Kuda Villingili Resort. 

Diana Vsivcova Appointed as Marketing and Communications Manager At Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa appointed Diana Vsivcova as the new Marketing and Communications Manager. With an impressive background in hospitality marketing and a proven track record of success, Diana is poised to lead the resort’s marketing initiatives to new heights.

Diana began her journey in the hospitality industry as a Welcome Desk Talent Coach at W Abu Dhabi Yas Island, where she demonstrated her commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and generating revenue. Her passion for marketing and communications led her to Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, where she started as a Social Media Coordinator. Recognizing her talents and dedication, she quickly ascended to the role of Assistant Marketing Manager.

In her time at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, Diana played a pivotal role in overseeing social media activities and managing numerous successful campaigns. Her strategic approach to digital marketing not only created awareness but also significantly contributed to revenue growth. Her keen understanding of market trends and innovative campaigns set her apart in the field of hospitality marketing.

Related stories

• An Unique experiences not to miss at Patina Maldives in 2024
• Look Inside the innovative design of Zamani Islands by Shaun Killa
• An Update on Gili Lankanfushi' dining scene 2024
• 10 The Best Places to Visit in the Maldives
• Maldives Most Booked Hotels