New Appointment: Mr. Mohamed Aalim, Group Director Talent and Culture, Villa Hotels and Resorts as a part of ongoing work to strengthen culture and nurture key talent.
As Villa Hotels & Resorts focus on the next chapter in the resorts’ journey, and as a part of ongoing work to strengthen culture and nurture key talent, Villa have appointed Mr. Mohamed Aalim as the Group Director for Talent and Culture at Villa Hotels and Resorts.
Advertisement
As the Group Director of Talent and Culture, Aalim will lead Villa Hotels and Resorts’ human resources operations, talent development, and strategies. In addition, he will work towards creating a highly engaged organizational culture with a focus on building a solid foundation for cohesive, highly productive, and luxury services-minded teams aimed toward the resorts’ successful operation. His developmental work is significant to the new rebranding and transformational journey for Villa Hotels & Resorts.
Aalim has more than 13 years of experience in Human Resources, having worked with international brands such as Patina Maldives in Fari Islands, St. Regis Maldives Vommuli, Kanuhura Maldives, Per Aquum Huvafen Fushi, One&Only Reethi Rah, Atlantis the Palm Dubai, and the W Maldives amongst others throughout his career. Aalim believes that one of his core strengths is his passion for developing people through strategic HR initiatives genuinely engaged in leveraging employee and stakeholder value creation using modern Human Resources Management practices.
Aalim joins from his most recent role as Director of Human Resources at Patina Maldives. At Patina, Aalim focused on recruiting and retaining top talents for the resort opening, and building a solid foundation for employee engagement and HR excellence. Aalim’s recent addition to the Villa family aligns with the mission to develop talented locals who positively impact the group and Maldivian society, as the senior team at Villa Group primarily consists of local talent.
About Villa Hotels and Resorts
VILLA is the single largest owner and operator of resorts in the Maldives, with five island resorts consisting of 1113 rooms (including six presidential suits) and 2226 beds. VILLA’s collection of resorts in the Maldives range from the family-friendly Fun Island Resort to the romantic five-star Paradise Island Resort.
Nestled at the southern edge of the Maldives, where the turquoise waters of Addu Atoll stretch deep into the Indian Ocean, Canareef Resort Maldives quietly evolves. This change doesn’t come from flashy renovations or new facilities. It’s driven by people. Those shaping the resort from the inside out. Meet Deepak Kannan and Shirhaan Sodig. Deepak, focusing on people and culture, and Shirhaan, managing technology and systems, play key roles in defining what it means to run a modern resort in the Maldives.
Advertisement
Deepak Kannan: The People-First Leader Building Culture from the Inside Out
He began his hospitality career in 2000 at the front desk of Radisson Hotels. Over 25 years, he built an impressive resume across the Middle East, including the iconic Burj Al Arab by Jumeirah and several IHG Crowne Plaza properties in the UAE and Oman.
He rose from Front Office Shift Leader to Front Office Manager with IHG, sharpening his skills in operations and guest relations. Later, Deepak stepped into leadership roles as Hotel Manager and General Manager at well-known hotels such as Bin Majid Hotels and Resorts in Ras Al Khaimah, Excelsior Downtown Dubai, and Platinum Coast Hotel in Fujairah.
Moreover, In 2021, Deepak expanded his expertise by consulting for a major convention center in Chennai, India, where he set up their rooms division and operational systems. This experience highlights his versatile and strategic approach.
At Canareef, where he serves as Assistant General Manager, Deepak focuses on more than management. He builds a culture centered on teamwork and empowerment. He explains it simply: “To achieve a one vision, one team spirit and a strong people-centric culture that will empower the talent we have into shaping Canareef to be the most desired resort destination in the region.“
His leadership already makes a difference. The team works closely together, supporting each other to deliver guest experiences that linger long after the stay. For Deepak, hospitality means focusing on people first.
Shirhaan Sodig: The Tech Expert Keeping Things Running Smoothly
Behind the scenes at Canareef, few guests know the name Shirhaan Sodig, but his work touches nearly every part of their stay. From reliable Wi-Fi to IPTV entertainment, Shirhaan’s IT expertise ensures the resort’s technology runs flawlessly.
With over 15 years in IT, Shirhaan’s background includes fiber optic networks, IPTV, CCTV, telephone systems, and vital hospitality software like Opera PMS and Micros POS. He started his career as an Assistant Computer Technician at the Secretariat of Addu City Council, where he built a solid foundation managing complex networks.
For Shirhaan, technology goes beyond hardware — it reflects a mindset. He shares: “I believe there’s no such thing as impossible when you combine the right mindset with the right technology. In hospitality, every challenge is an opportunity to innovate, and that’s what drives me —using technology to quietly enhance guest experiences and empower teams to perform at their best.”
Before joining Canareef as IT Manager, Shirhaan developed his skills at South Palm Resort Maldives, serving as Assistant IT Manager and IT Manager. At Canareef, he led a major upgrade by implementing a resort-wide Fiber To The Home (FTTH) network, dramatically improving internet speed and reliability. He also created a custom IPTV app to enhance guest entertainment options.
Beyond Canareef, Shirhaan contributes as a visiting lecturer at Maldives National University, training future IT professionals. His qualifications include certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, CCENT, and a degree in Information Technology, blending academic knowledge with practical expertise.
Where Vision Meets Technology and Hospitality Flourishes
Canareef Resort Maldives offers a picture-perfect destination, but in today’s competitive market, beauty alone does not suffice. Travelers expect more: seamless technology, thoughtful service, and genuine hospitality.
That is exactly what Deepak and Shirhaan provide. Deepak shapes the resort’s culture and people, while Shirhaan ensures the technology supports that vision behind the scenes. Their combined efforts might not look flashy, but they build a foundation designed to last.
So when guests visit Canareef Resort, they get more than just palm trees and ocean views. They experience a resort powered by purpose, a team committed to making every stay truly memorable.
