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

11 October, 2023

Charlie Hewitt appointed Managing Director, UK for Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll

Seaside Finolhu, nestled in the enchanting Baa Atoll of the Maldives, has announced the arrival of Charlie Hewitt Davies as Managing Director UK. In this prestigious role, she will not only oversee the exquisite luxury product portfolio of Seaside Finolhu but also champion the esteemed properties and river cruise experiences of Seaside Collection & Riverside Luxury Cruises.

Charlie Hewitt Davies’ arrival signifies a significant step in the continued growth and success of Seaside Finolhu as well as the broader portfolio of Seaside Collection & Riverside Luxury Cruises. Her responsibilities include the strategic management of the Grand Hotel Residencia in Gran Canaria, the idyllic Seaside Finolhu in the Maldives, and the opulent Riverside Luxury Cruises, which currently ply the picturesque waters of the Danube, Rhône, and Saône.

In her new capacity, Charlie Hewitt Davies is tasked with elevating revenue and market share for these prestigious luxury establishments and river cruise offerings. She brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to developing innovative sales strategies and forging new sales distribution partnerships, aimed at enhancing brand recognition and market presence for both Seaside Collection and Riverside Luxury Cruises.

This strategic appointment underscores the unwavering commitment of both Seaside Collection and Riverside Luxury Cruises to the UK & Ireland markets. By attracting top-tier industry talent like Charlie Hewitt Davies, the brands reaffirm their dedication to assembling a high-calibre team of professionals with a deep-rooted wealth of experience in the luxury travel segment.

Hewitt Davies joins from high-end tour operator, Eden Luxury Travel, where she was employed since 2010 and held the title of Product Director, and the Executive Director Product & Sales prior to that. Since the beginning of her career working in travel, she has heavily focussed on luxury travel and has extensive knowledge selling the Indian Ocean, Middle East, Africa, Caribbean, and Europe. She brings with her a wide network of key industry contacts and an appreciation of the needs of the market from both a trade and consumer perspective.

“The two brands have so much to offer the luxury seeking traveller and I’m looking forward to working with the existing and growing teams to build a strong and cohesive strategy that will drive bookings and grow brand awareness” says Hewitt Davies.

Hewitt Davies continues “Working closely and building relationships with luxury tour operators, travel agents and travel designers will be a key part of our sales strategy.”

When she’s not immersed in the world of luxury travel, Charlie Hewitt Davies passionately explores the globe herself. The Indian Ocean and South Africa hold special places in her heart, and she balances her global adventures with an active lifestyle that includes time at the gym, invigorating walks, and the thrill of horse riding.

Seaside Finolhu, Seaside Collection, and Riverside Luxury Cruises warmly welcome Charlie Hewitt Davies to their family. With her leadership, the brands are poised for continued growth and innovation in the luxury travel industry, offering discerning travellers unforgettable and bespoke experiences across their exceptional portfolio of properties and river cruises.

For those seeking an escape from reality, Finolhu Maldives Baa Atoll is your ultimate destination. Book your stay now and immerse yourself in the magic of the Maldives.

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The Nautilus Maldives appoints Pietro Addis as General Manager

The ultra-luxury private island resort in the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, The Nautilus Maldives has announced Pietro Addis as its new General Manager.

Bringing over 20 years of experience in high-end luxury operations, Pietro will focus on continuing to deliver exceptional guest service, whilst building a work environment that encourages engagement and growth.

Pietro previously worked with renowned companies such as COMO Hotels & Resorts and Aman Resorts, gaining extensive knowledge, experience and cultivating expertise in specialised business development.

With a personal passion for cooking, he led the redesign of F&B concepts in his role at Mandarin Oriental Canouan, where he oversaw a team of 200 plus. With COMO, Pietro led the successful renovation and relaunch of the Metropolitan Miami Beach in 2020 and before this he was the operational lead for all aspects of COMO Maalifushi Resort in the Maldives.

Before moving to luxury travel, Pietro worked in investment banking, and he brings this financial background and tracked record for optimising the performance of exclusive properties across the world to his new role at The Nautilus.

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Mohamed Shiham promoted to Director of Sales at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa has announced the promotion of Mohamed Shiham from Sales Manager to Director of Sales. In his new role, Shiham will continue to lead the sales team and play a pivotal role in further enhancing the resort’s presence in the competitive market.

Shiham joined Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa in June 2022 as Sales Manager, bringing with him a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the hospitality industry. He quickly established himself as a key contributor, expanding the resort’s business in Asia and the GCC markets. His strategic approach and dedication to building strong relationships with local destination management companies have been instrumental in the resort’s growth and success.

Shiham’s journey in the hotel industry began as Assistant Reservations Manager at One and Only Maldives, where he gained valuable insights into guest services and reservations management. He further honed his skills at Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives, and Island Destination Maldives, where he served as Sales & Reservations Manager before joining Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa. Post his stints at these reputed properties, Shiham brought expertise and a new energy to the team at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa – an eco-conscious haven brimming with coral reefs and marine life.

In his role as Director of Sales, Shiham will continue to lead the sales team, develop innovative sales strategies, and strengthen relationships with key partners in the Asian market, to further elevate the resort’s reputation as a premier destination in the Maldives.

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Ahmed Anees appointed Director of Operations Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa

Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa welcomes Ahmed Anees as the new Director of Operations, the very first Maldivian professional to be elevated to the role within leading global hospitality company Hilton’s portfolio of award- winning brands in the country.

His 18 years of experience encompass a variety of roles on the successful pre-opening teams for both Conrad Maldives Rangali Island and Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, where he oversaw housekeeping, front office and transport operations as Director of Front Office. At Hilton Maldives Amingiri, Anees will lead initiatives to enhance the overall guest experience and raise the bar for delivering exceptional stays.

He will also continue his mission to mentor the next generation of Maldivian hospitality leaders. As one of the founders of the Maldives Housekeepers Association, the country’s largest and sole nationally recognized association, he has always been an advocate of encouraging learning and development, strengthening collaborative networks among the members who make invaluable contributions to the Maldives tourism industry.

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