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, emphasizing 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.

SRIKANTH DEVARAPALLI – GENERAL MANAGER

The JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort welcomes 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.

MOHAMED MUSTHAFEEZ – RESIDENT MANAGER

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 adds a refreshing perspective to the remarkable team at JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort.

PARAVEE MAVICHAK – DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING

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.

JOAN IBANEZ – DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

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 flavors of the Maldives, ensuring that every meal is a celebration of culinary artistry.

UDAY NAYAK – DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCE

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.

ANKITA THAKUR – DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

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.

NAUSHAD AHMED – DIRECTOR OF SALES

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.

CHA JAE YONG ‘ALLEN’- EXECUTIVE CHEF

With a remarkable global journey that has taken him from the US to Korea, China, Fiji, and the Maldives, Chef Allen brings his creative culinary flair to JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort as Executive Chef. In this role, he will oversee all resort culinary operations at the resort, infusing his extensive Michelin-star experience with a passion for sustainability. Chef Allen’s experience spans prestigious international kitchens, where he strikes a perfect balance between tradition and innovation, dedicating himself to sourcing the finest local ingredients. A native of Korea, his impressive background includes leading multi-venue operations and cooking for notable VIPs such as former U.S. President Barack Obama and ex-President of Fiji Jioji Konrote, among other distinguished dignitaries. Chef Allen’s vision aligns perfectly with the JW brand and the resort, promising a dining experience that is both innovative and mindful.

HARYANI ARY– DIRECTOR OF SPA

Haryani Ary brings over 20 years of rich experience in luxury spa management across Indonesia and the Maldives to her role as Director of Spa. Previously at The St. Regis Jakarta, she has cultivated a deep understanding of wellness, aesthetics, and the art of relaxation. Leading a dedicated team, she will oversee all spa and wellness offerings at the resort, enhancing the guest experience at the exceptional Spa by JW. Her worldly knowledge and unwavering passion for curating unique wellness moments promise to elevate the standard of relaxation and rejuvenation. With an eye for innovation, Haryani will introduce refreshing treatments and experiences that harmonize with the stunning Maldivian surroundings, inviting guests to embark on a transformative journey of well-being.

MIFRAZ MOHAMED – DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Mifraz re-joins Marriott as Director of Finance, bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record that will guide the growth of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. After a brief stint with Hard Rock Hotels, he is excited to return to the Marriott family, where he will oversee finance and accounting, strategic procurement, legal matters, and information systems. Having risen through the ranks at Marriott International, Mohamed has worked in various financial operations roles. Before his time with Marriott, he served as Senior Auditor with Ernst & Young, gaining invaluable insights into financial operations. At JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll, Mifraz is poised to make a significant impact, leveraging his expertise to ensure the resort’s financial health and operational efficiency.

AJITH KUMAR G NAIR – DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING 

With an illustrious 25-year tenure in the hospitality industry, Ajith takes on the role of Director of Engineering at the resort. His vast technical expertise and focus on sustainability will be instrumental in driving the operational maintenance of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. He has consistently excelled in overseeing building structures and mechanical and electrical systems, as well as implementing effective preventive maintenance programs and energy conservation practices. His extensive experience encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including pre-opening engineering activities and project management in global chains like Shangri-La and Minor Group. His diverse expertise makes him the ideal candidate to oversee engineering operations and lead the team to even greater success.

SHIVANGI SHARMA – DIRECTOR OF TRAINING & QUALITY

Shivangi, a seasoned hotelier with over 15 years of distinguished experience, joins JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort as Director of Quality and Training. Her remarkable journey includes her recent role at JW Marriott Kolkata, where she played a pivotal role in leading her team to achieve the highest LQA Standards score in the APAC region—a testament to her commitment to quality and brand excellence. In her new role, she is dedicated to embodying and promoting the values and philosophy of JW Marriott. She envisions creating a vibrant learning environment that inspires every team member to reach their full potential. By enhancing the knowledge, skills, and behaviors essential for driving business results, she aims to elevate the guest experience to unparalleled heights. Shivangi’s expertise is evident in her ability to audit standard operating procedures, ensuring that every aspect of service reflects the luxury and attention to detail for which JW Marriott is renowned.

FAYAZ MOHAMED – EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER

Fayaz, an experienced and seasoned housekeeper, brings over 25 years of expertise in luxury hospitality to JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. With a robust background within the Marriott family, Fayaz is well-versed in the nuances of exceptional service and operational excellence. As Executive Housekeeper, he will oversee all housekeeping operations, ensuring that every corner of the resort reflects the highest standards of cleanliness and comfort. His extensive experience encompasses staff management, operational efficiency, and a meticulous attention to luxury standards, all aimed at delivering exceptional guest satisfaction.

AHMED AZEEF – FRONT OFFICE MANAGER

Ahmed Azeef brings a distinguished background in luxury hospitality to his role as Front Office Manager, having worked at renowned establishments such as W Maldives, Hilton, and Gili Lankan Fushi. Ahmed is committed to leading a front office team that embodies the true essence of luxury, delivering the exceptional service that JW guests expect. He will oversee all facets of front office operations, ensuring a seamless experience for every guest who arrives at the idyllic resort. As he steps into this pivotal role, he is ready to craft unforgettable journey for guests, making their stay at JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort a luxurious escape where every detail is attended to with care and precision.

“Commenting on the appointments, Srikanth Devarapalli, General Manager of JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort, remarked, “We are excited to announce the opening of the JW Marriott Kaafu Atoll Island Resort. Our pre-opening team is composed of multinational experts with global experience, exceptional credentials, and proven achievements, complemented by our outstanding product offerings. I have full confidence in their ability to leverage this opportunity, strategically position the resort for success, and set new standards in service and product excellence. We eagerly await the arrival of our first guests and are committed to delivering the renowned services associated with the JW brand and Marriott International.”