JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort unveils its leadership team in anticipation of its opening in December 2024. Nestled in the Emboodhu Finolhu lagoon, surrounded by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, the resort is a breathtaking retreat just 15 minutes from Velana International Airport. The property features 80 thoughtfully designed private pool villas, emphasising eco-conscious aesthetics and offering uninterrupted views of the opalescent ocean, expansive terraces, a picturesque lagoon for swimming, and an invigorating atmosphere designed for reconnection.
Srikanth Devarapalli has been appointed General Manager of the luxury resort, leading a dynamic team across all departments dedicated to the successful launch of the second JW Marriott property and the eighth Marriott Bonvoy portfolio of resorts in the Maldives. Guests can expect a world-class experience, enhanced by a Spa by JW and outstanding gastronomical offerings that highlight the best local and international cuisine.
The JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort is delighted to welcome Srikanth Devarapalli as General Manager. With years of experience in luxury hospitality, Srikanth will lead all pre-opening efforts for the resort, overseeing daily operations and guiding the team to achieve operational excellence in line with Marriott’s standards while curating exceptional JW experiences.
In his previous role as Area Director and General Manager of the Emerald Collection’s Maldives Resorts, he consistently delivered strong operational performance, achieving the highest levels of guest satisfaction and employee engagement. Under his leadership, the resort garnered several international accolades, solidifying its status as one of the Maldives’ premier hotels. His expertise is further enhanced by his distinguished tenure with renowned brands such as Constance Hotels and Resorts, Hyatt, Four Seasons, and Taj Group. With a keen eye for detail and a steadfast commitment to personalized luxury, Srikanth is poised to lead the team with a vision that invites guests to indulge in a sanctuary of refined sophistication that transcends time and generations.
Musthafeez joins the resort as Resident Manager, bringing more than two decades of luxury hospitality management experience, along with a passion for service and a reputation for excellence. As a true ambassador of Maldivian hospitality, he will focus on delivering a seamless and luxurious experience for JW guests. With a deep understanding of guest services, Musthafeez has expertly managed room operations at prestigious properties such as Banyan Tree Maldives, Baros Maldives, and the Amari Group. His zest for life and extensive hospitality knowledge add a refreshing perspective to the remarkable team at JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort.
With a dynamic career spanning over 20 years in the hospitality industry, Paravee joins the resort as Director of Sales and Marketing. In this role, she will champion the strategic positioning of the resort and oversee the development and implementation of innovative commercial strategies. Her expertise encompasses various facets of hotel operations, including business strategy, guest satisfaction, and customer relationship management. She began her career with Marriott International in 2014 at Le Méridien Chiang Mai and further honed her skills at W Koh Samui in 2016, gaining valuable experience in the luxury leisure segment. In her most recent role as Director of Sales & Marketing at Le Méridien Chiang Mai, she played a pivotal role in the hotel’s renovation and rebranding efforts, successfully relaunching it as Chiang Mai Marriott Hotel.
Ibanez joins the team as Director of Operations, bringing a wealth of experience that will elevate guest experience across all seven dining outlets and bars at the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. In this pivotal role, he will lead food and beverage operations, oversee culinary programming and events, and drive growth for the resort. His impressive journey includes time at Michelin-starred establishments like the Monument Hotel 5*GL in Barcelona, where he worked alongside renowned chefs such as Martin Berasategui and Carme Ruscalleda. He has also contributed to the success of luxury properties like JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa, Vietnam, and Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok. With his leadership, guests can look forward to exceptional culinary adventures that reflect the vibrant culture and flavours of the Maldives, ensuring that every meal is a celebration of culinary artistry.
Uday joins the luxury resort as Director of Human Resources. He will champion changes in policy and leadership to ensure new team members are well received and new procedures are communicated and implemented smoothly. Uday has had a glowing career with Marriott, spanning over 19 years in various locations. JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort marks his eighth property across three continents and his fourth pre-opening in the Maldives. With extensive hands-on experience in various human resource functions—including training and development, employee relations, and recruitment—Uday considers his role as a ‘culture developer’ to be the most vital. In his new role, he will act as a strategic partner to enhance the business, focusing on employee-management relations, compensation and benefits, and attracting new talent.
Luxury hospitality leader Ankita Thakur has been appointed as the Director of Marketing and Communications, where she will elevate the resort’s brand presence through innovative marketing strategies. Before joining JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll, she made her mark at Raffles Maldives Meradhoo, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the brand’s visibility and communications strategy across all channels. Ankita’s expertise shines in curating marketing campaigns that resonate with divergent guests, and she is particularly adept at navigating the complexities of rebranding, renovations, and pre-opening strategies. Her ability to balance creativity with measurable impact has earned her accolades for driving brand awareness and engagement. With her innovative ideas, strong leadership skills, and keen understanding of market dynamics, she is well-positioned to celebrate the unique allure of the resort and ensure it stands out in the competitive luxury hospitality market.
With a robust sales and revenue background in the leisure sector, Ahmed joins the team as Director of Sales, bringing insights from his most recent position at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. Ahmed’s journey with Marriott began nearly 16 years ago in reservations. He has since climbed the ranks, holding key sales and revenue positions in the Maldives and Thailand. In his new role, Ahmed will focus on orchestrating innovative strategies to engage sales partners, build and nurture relationships, and identify new collaboration opportunities. With a wealth of experience and expertise, he is optimistic about making a significant impact and fostering mutually beneficial relationships that will enhance the resort’s reputation and contribute to its success.
For more information about the resort, please visit www.jwmarriottkaafuatoll.com.
