Exclusive Interview with Imroz Uddin, Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Lily Hotels with Over 20 Years of Experience

The luxury Lily Beach Resort & Spa, Maldives is known for its unbeatable all-inclusive plan and pioneer of the affordable luxury concept. The resort has a sister-property, Hideaway Beach Resort, Maldives. Hideaway is known for ultimate privacy and likewise, the resort is perfect for honeymooners.

MVHOTELS.Travel caught up with Imroz Uddin, Group Director of Sales & Marketing at Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd, Maldives to find out about how he ended up working at Lily Hotels and how the resorts are coping with the pandemic. Imroz is a dynamic hospitality professional with 20 years of experience. He started working with Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd Maldives from March 2020. Imroz joined in difficult times to lead and formulate the group’s sales and marketing strategies to maximize profitable revenue globally.

01- How did you career end up in Tourism? Is it possible to briefly share your career up to today?

Imroz: In the first 5 years of my career, I’ve played as Investment Banker (HNWI) in UAE from (2000-2005). At the beginning of the 2006 financial crisis arisen, time was difficult to sustain in the banking industry. I can say its game of destiny played a vital role to bring me to this beautiful industry. In the year 2006, February – Hilton Worldwide approach me with an offer to join this beautiful industry as Senior Account Director (ISO) based in Saudi Arabia.

I continued to build an impressive career with luxury brands including corporate and property-level roles with Marriott International, Hilton Worldwide, Kempinski, Starwood Hotels and Resorts & CapitaLand in across 3 different continents (the Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific & Europe) & 11 different countries (UK, Russia, UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Cambodia, Vietnam & now in the Maldives), where I stint involved leading international delegations, Leisure luxury selling, cultivating corporate account relationships and enhancing the guest experience.

Prior to joining Lily Hotels, drive the position of Group Director of Commercial at MerPerle Hotels & Resorts, based in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. During the company’s high growth period, I’ve established a high performing sales culture and oversaw the group’s sales and marketing function for the portfolio of 5 properties and 1,500 keys inventory across Vietnam.

MVHOTELS.Travel Talks with Imroz Uddin

02- When did you come to know about the Maldives and what was your first impression of the destination?

Imroz: I came to know about the Maldives in February 2020. My initial thought was “Wow” as the Maldives is a unique & luxury destination opportunity and an excellent career prospect as a new addition in my profile.

03- How did you end up in Lily Hotels? When did you decide to join there?

Imroz: Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd, Maldives is a well-establish renowned hospitality brand with a market presence of the last 27 Years. Lily Beach Resort & Spa is iconic property that has first introduce the All-Inclusive Concept in the entire Maldives. Likewise, Lily Hotels has lived by a core values & Our culture’s leadership philosophy, the Red Ring, to live bold and stay sharp. These values attracted me so I decided to persuade my career path with Lily Hotels Pvt Ltd – Maldives.

04- When you took over the position, what was the first things you did for the company?

Imroz: I looked forward to collaborating with my new team and leading them to a game-changing mind set whilst navigating Lily Beach Maldives Resort and Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa to achieve strong, profitable benchmarks for the industry and disrupting the industry norm. I am confident I will be able to propel the brand to even more successes and build on Lily Hotels’ vision to create value for our guest and stakeholders.

05- What are the challenges like? Is it possible to share 03 Challenges you are facing right now?

Imroz: Honestly, we don’t have any challenges. As you can see, during the high lockdown period our properties are run as normal operations with decent occupancy. So this I take it as strength & symbol of a strong stand.

06- How was August month for you? In terms of occupancy?

Imroz: In August 2020, Lily Beach Resort & Spa – delivered good results with decent occupancy. I can say we are on par within the top 5 performing properties in the destination of Maldives.

07- Do you think Maldives has the advantages of an isolated island destination? And Do you believe the destination and resorts are prepared enough?

Imroz: Obviously, Isolation is that’s beauty & destination of Maldives is offering to their unique travelers. Yes we have in place all Safety & Hygiene Protocols & measure are arranged during at this COVID19.

08- What do you think makes the resorts different and What’s new for Lily Hotels in 2021?

Imroz: They’re many uncountable benefits & features guest can enjoy at Lily Beach & Hideaway Beach i.e. Unique Accommodation, Exemplary Delicious Food, Water Sport Activities, Natural Sea Life & many many exciting features.

For Hideaway Beach Resort & Spa is adding a unique new category of inventory, which will disclose to our partners & unique guest in mid-Q4 2020. And for Lily Beach Resort & Spa is soft upgrading facilities, which we will disclose to our partners & unique guest in mid-November 2020.

Feature image by Lily Hotels

THE OZEN COLLECTION announce the promotion of Rushdhaan Ahmed as the Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications.

Rushdaan’s Career with THE OZEN COLLECTION

Rushdhaan started his journey in marketing in 2019 as a Graphic Designer and marketing coordinator. Since then, Rushdhaan swiftly climbed the ranks, demonstrating exceptional talent and dedication.

Throughout his career, Rushdhaan has demonstrated an unwavering passion for creativity and strategic thinking. These are qualities that have continuously yielded remarkable results for the company. Rushdan led the team that launched THE OZEN COLLECTION brand in 2020. During this time Rushdhaan played a pivotal role in building the brand’s identity. He ensured brand consistency at the resorts and contributed to a successful launch in the Maldives. Notably, he spearheaded several brand photo and video shoots, crafting captivating visual content that epitomised the essence of luxury at two iconic resorts under the brand – OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI and OZEN LIFE MAADHOO.

Taking on a New Role as Assistant Director of Marketing & Comms!

In his new capacity as Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications, Rushdhaan Ahmed will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the brand narrative, enhancing its global presence, and driving innovative marketing strategies. His priorities include elevating THE OZEN COLLECTION’s brand identity, constantly modernising, and improving visual aesthetics. On the communications front, he aims to capture a sufficient share of voice globally and in key regions, including the UK, Russia, GCC, DACH, and India. He plans to utilise innovative storytelling to capture the interest of discerning travellers to visit the resorts.

Rushdhaan has been a part of THE OZEN COLLECTION since the beginning of the brand journey. This deep knowledge of brand ethos, along with creative vision and strategic acumen, make him the ideal candidate to lead marketing and communications. We are confident that he will contribute to the team significantly, as we continu to redefine global luxury hospitality experiences, and take the brand to new destinations like India and beyond says Stéphane Laguette – Chief Commercial Officer at Atmosphere Core.

Rushdhaan Ahmed’s appointment underscores THE OZEN COLLECTION’s dedication to excellence and empowering local talent in the ever-evolving luxury hospitality landscape of the Maldives.