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March’s Finest: 05 Key Appointments in the Maldives Resorts

Just like February, March has proven to be an exciting month for Maldives resorts. The month saw a wave of new appointments and promotions, enriching the hospitality landscape. As the Maldives resort destination strives to exceed traveller expectations, the dedication and expertise of staff remain pivotal. With an eye for talent and a commitment to excellence, resorts continue to bolster their teams with exceptional individuals. Here are some notable appointments from the month of March:

Shameem Mohamed Appointed as General Manager at Nika Island Resort Maldives

With over 22 years of experience, Shameem Mohamed joins Nika Island Resort Maldives as General Manager. In addition to being a seasoned hotelier, Shameem also brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Shameem is also a well-known NPL leadership coach who is known for his exceptional skills. Shameem is also known for his enthusiasm towards personal fitness.

Saddam Hussain Appointed as Resort Operations Manager at Amilla Maldives

Amilla Maldives announced the promotion of Saddam ‘Saddi’ Hussain to Resort Operations Manager in March 2024. Prior to his appointment, he had already been working at Amilla Maldives for 10 years in a variety of different roles. Saddam has come a long way since he started his career in 2001 at Dhoni Maghili as a butler. Although this was a starting position for Saddam, this also marked him as one of the first five butlers in the Maldives. Saddam has also acquired international work experience, as he worked as a personal butler for the CEO of Barclays Middle East in Dubai!

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Appoints Joachim Textor as New Executive Chef

In March, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas announces the appointment of Joachim Textor as the resort’s new executive chef. Chef Joachim joins the resort with over 40 years of experience, and now he brings his exciting variety of innovative dining experiences to the resort’s guests. Over the years, Chef Joachim has honed his skills at various well-known outlets such as the Hilton in Basel, the Park Hotel in Vitznau and the Hyatt Hotel in Montreux. Over 42 years, the chef has managed to take a culinary journey that led him through 93 countries and countless five-star kitchens across the world. The chef has opened up multiple award-winning hotels and restaurants in the Middle East as well as the Far East over the years, making him one of the most pioneering chefs in the industry.

Chaminda Upul Kumara Appointed as Sustainability Manager at Sun Siyam Resorts

Sun Siyam Resorts announced the appointment of Chamindra Upul Kumara as the Sustainability Manager of the group this year. With his appointment, Upul brings a wealth of experience to this new role. Here, Upul would be in charge of identifying areas for sustainability development, analyzing data and research, monitoring and reporting on sustainability initiatives’ progress, and developing training programs to educate employees on sustainable practices. Upul will also work with stakeholders and partners to develop sustainable projects, integrate sustainability practices across departments, and conduct sustainability audits to identify areas for enhancement.

Ahmed Shareef Promoted as Director of Engineering at Sun Siyam Iru Veli

Ahmed Shareef, with over two decades of engineering leadership experience, has been proudly promoted to the esteemed position of Director of Engineering at Sun Siyam Iru Veli. As the former Chief Engineer at the resort, Shareef has spearheaded innovative sustainability projects. Some of these include including groundbreaking water irrigation and glass upcycling initiatives. His unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and exceptional leadership skills have distinguished him as a driving force behind the resort’s dedication to laidback luxury.

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Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

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