Company: Villa Hotels & Resorts
Position: Director of Residential Life
Appointee: Mohamed Shareef
What They Said: As a part of our ongoing work to cultivate the quality of residential life and modernize the residential environment and experiences for our team members’ well-being, we have promoted Mr. Mohamed Shareef to the Director of Residential Life at Villa Hotels and Resorts. As the Director of Residential Life, Shareef will work to overhaul the residential living standards and implement programmatic opportunities that connect with a higher standard of residential living at Villa Hotels and Resorts. Shareef’s new role is significant to providing Villa Hotels and Resorts team members with residential, occupational, social, and personal related support to develop their living environments and experiences.
Shareef’s first opportunity in the industry came from Kurumba Maldives in the late 90s, where he was responsible for housekeeping operations. Starting as a Housekeeping Supervisor in the first resort to be established in the Maldives, he rose through the ranks over the years with countless transfers, including Fesdu Island Resort and W Maldives, to Executive Housekeeper of Royal Island Resort and Spa in 2006. After 15-years of steadfast and commendable services, in June 2021, Shareef moved to Paradise Island Resort and Spa, where he also served as the Executive Housekeeper.
Shareef believes that one of his core strengths lies in working closely with team members to create and sustain a positive and engaging living environment that fosters a sense of belonging and enables them to build positive relationships. His recent promotion in the Villa family also aligns with our mission to proactively source and nurture talented and dedicated Maldivians who positively impact our group and society.
Resort: Alila Kothaifaru
Positions: General Manager and Director of Sales and Marketing
Appointees: Alexandre Glauser and Kiran Sonawane
What They Said: As the General Manager of Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Alexandre Glauser oversees the highly anticipated official debut of the 80-villa luxury resort. Swiss national Alexandre brings a wealth of expertise in hotel openings and operations in various markets, with his career taking him to Egypt and across Asia-Pacific, including destinations such as the Maldives, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Prior to joining Hyatt Hotels & Resorts to take on this role, Alexandre gained experience with luxury hospitality brands ONYX Hospitality Group and Centara Hotels & Resorts.
“We are honoured to welcome guests to one of the world’s most blissful destinations and we look forward to sharing with them the awe-inspiring nature that surrounds us,” said Alexandre Glauser, general manager, Alila Kothaifaru Maldives. “Here at our all-pool-villa sanctuary, guests can unwind in peaceful seclusion with charming views while our gracious hosts deliver personalized experiences leading to unique moments and treasured memories.”
Joining as Director of Sales and Marketing at Alila Kothaifaru Maldives, Kiran Sonawane brings over two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. Kiran has honed his career with various prestigious brands in India, Australia, Sri Lanka, the Middle East and the Maldives, including Taj Hotels and Resorts, Baros, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts, and ONYX Hospitality Group before joining Alila Kothaifaru Maldives as one of its first pre-opening team members.
