Ahmed Zahir is the first local General Manager within the Banyan Group in the Maldives. He joined Banyan Tree Group in 1995 and currently has over 27 years of experience with the Banyan Tree Group in the Maldives.
Our team sat down with him to find out more about his success story, which is inspirational for young Maldivians who wish to soar high in the hospitality industry, especially in their own country.
I was eager to join the group when Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru opened as the first 5-star international brand hotel in the Maldives. Two reasons fueled my interest: 1) it was the inaugural international brand in the area, and 2) I was certain it would be a tremendous opportunity to expand my knowledge. Upon starting with the Banyan Group, I quickly recognised it wasn’t just a workplace but a familial environment. The ethos centred around inclusivity, empowerment, and developing local talent. Locals like myself were afforded equal opportunities alongside expatriates, fostering an environment where anyone willing to grow could flourish in their careers.
My journey towards becoming the general manager of Banyan Group’s largest property in the Maldives has been marked by a willingness to tackle any assigned task, regardless of its alignment with my defined scope of work. I viewed each challenge as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. This mindset propelled me steadily up the ladder to where I stand today. Importantly, I’ve always avoided shortcuts, understanding that premature advancement without genuine experience could lead to future challenges when assuming leadership roles.
The experience was incredibly beneficial. Adapting quickly is essential when transitioning to a new environment with its unique setup. Each situation requires its own approach, and these lessons have significantly shaped my leadership style.
I see my role as the head of a family who must ensure everyone is treated equally. When conflicts arise between family members, the head of the family has to address them promptly by speaking with both parties. Being in charge of a household or a large family means you bear a significant responsibility for fostering a healthy, inclusive environment and ensuring everyone’s well-being. I prioritise spending time with each family member and listening to them, irrespective of age, status, or gender. Moreover, I strive to create a comfortable atmosphere where everyone feels free to share anything with me at any time. Ultimately, I aim to be both a trusted friend and mentor to everyone in my circle.
We customise our offerings and villa amenities to suit the preferences of our guests. For honeymooners, we adorn the villa with a charming bed decoration and provide complimentary honeymoon amenities, including a private Romantic Beach Dinner experience. Our extensive list of activities, known as ‘101 Things To Do,’ allows couples to indulge in experiences such as Intimate Moments, Floating Breakfasts, and professional Photoshoots with our dedicated in-house photographer.
Families are equally catered to with a variety of specially tailored kids’ activities overseen by our attentive Kids Club Attendant. From group activities and quizzes to indoor and outdoor games, parents can relax knowing their children are under the care of by a very friendly and capable local staff.
We prioritise adherence to our Group Cultures and Ideals to remain competitive in the market. It is crucial that we consistently introduce innovative ideas to offer diverse services to our customers. This is achieved through an empowered and accountable staff who are continuously provided with learning opportunities throughout their journey. Our goal is to cultivate a synergised team capable of delivering exceptional service. While we may not boast the most luxurious hardware, we guarantee that our software—our service—is always top-notch.
In 2019, we undertook renovations to enhance our property, including the addition of a public pool and the transformation of 24 beachfront villas into Deluxe Beachfront Infinity Pool Villas. Additionally, improvements were made to our Guest Gym and Rangers Club last year. Currently, we are in the process of replacing the furniture in our InOcean Villas and Azzurro Restaurant. The restaurant furniture has already been replaced, and we anticipate the villa furniture’s arrival in the Maldives by the end of July, with the completion of the project expected by mid-September.
Looking ahead, we are planning to replace the furniture in our land villas while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability initiatives, which include expanding our solar panel installations. The first phase was completed in March last year, and we began the second phase last month, aiming for completion by mid-August. We hope to commence the third phase in the second quarter of next year.
We have a wealth of intelligent and educated young Maldivians who have the potential to elevate our industry to new heights. With the right mentorship and guidance, I firmly believe that we can nurture more local leaders much sooner than expected.
To all aspiring Maldivians aiming to lead in this industry, my advice is simple yet crucial: remember that success is achieved through hard work, dedication, and unwavering focus. Avoid shortcuts, as they may provide temporary gains but lack the invaluable experience needed for long-term success. Instead, embrace every opportunity to learn and grow along your journey to leadership. This approach not only enhances your chances of sustained success but also instils confidence in your abilities.
The tourism sector eagerly awaits the emergence of young local leaders. I encourage you to take your aspirations seriously, set clear career goals, and step forward confidently. Always remember that the road ahead may not always be smooth when embarking on a journey. There will inevitably be ups and downs along the way. However, despite these challenges, your ultimate goal should remain focused on reaching your final destination.
