Sun Siyam Resorts promotes Ahmed Naufal to group director of business development

Sun Siyam Resorts promotes Ahmed Naufal to group director of business development

By Author

Published on March 10, 2025

Sun Siyam Resorts has announced the promotion of Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Business Development, effective immediately. Having previously served as the Group Director of Sales & Marketing, Naufal’s outstanding performance and strategic leadership have earned him this expanded role. In his new position, he will spearhead key initiatives aimed at fostering long-term growth and strengthening Sun Siyam Resorts’ market presence. Working closely with cross-functional teams, Naufal will develop innovative strategies, enhance operational efficiencies, and support the company’s expansion into new markets while reinforcing the brand’s presence across its luxury properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

Deepak Booneady, CEO of Sun Siyam Resorts, expressed his confidence in Naufal’s leadership, stating, "We are proud to promote Naufal, whose passion and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the success of our resorts. His leadership and deep understanding of the hospitality industry make him the perfect fit to guide us through the next phase of our growth. We are excited about the future under his actions, and confident his expertise will continue to take Sun Siyam Resorts to new heights."

Naufal began his journey with Sun Siyam Resorts in 2021 as Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Siyam Olhuveli, where he quickly demonstrated his ability to drive business success. His exceptional contributions led to his promotion as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing in 2023, overseeing sales activities across multiple key resorts. By early 2024, he advanced to Group Director of Sales & Marketing, managing the sales strategy for Sun Siyam Resorts’ six properties in the Maldives and Sri Lanka. His 18-year career in the hospitality industry includes leadership roles at prestigious resorts such as One&Only Kanuhura, Baros Maldives, and Raffles Maldives Meradhoo.

A seasoned professional, Naufal holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Tourism Management from the Maldives National University and has further honed his expertise with courses in Business Strategy and Revenue Management from Cornell University.

Since launching its first resort, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, in 1998, Sun Siyam Resorts has expanded its portfolio to include six private-island properties, with its latest addition, Siyam World, opening in October 2021. The collection features one four-star resort, Sun Siyam Olhuveli, and four five-star properties in the Maldives—Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Sun Siyam Iru Veli, Sun Siyam Vilu Reef, and Siyam World—along with a boutique beach retreat in Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam Pasikudah. Each resort embodies the warmth of Maldivian hospitality, offering bespoke island and underwater experiences, from international chef residencies to ocean adventures. Sun Siyam Resorts is owned and managed by the Sun Siyam Group, a privately-owned company founded in 1990 by visionary entrepreneur Ahmed Siyam Mohamed.

For more information, visit www.sunsiyam.com or follow Sun Siyam Resorts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.


Sachin Bhardwaj Joins Crowne Plaza Lucknow as Operations Manager

Sachin Bhardwaj Joins Crowne Plaza Lucknow as Operations Manager

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

Crowne Plaza Lucknow, the landmark 50th property under IHG Hotels & Resorts in India, has welcomed Sachin Bhardwaj as its new Operations Manager, strengthening the hotel’s leadership as it continues to grow within the Indian hospitality market.

With a career spanning over 16 years, Sachin brings deep industry insight and a strong operational background to the role. Known for his strategic thinking and team-focused approach, he will be overseeing daily operations, driving brand standards, and enhancing the overall guest experience at the property.

Before joining Crowne Plaza Lucknow, Sachin worked with top hospitality names like Accor, Marriott, The Lalit, and IHG, where he held various key positions across renowned properties. His experience across multiple formats and markets has helped him master the art of delivering consistently high service standards and operational efficiency.

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Strategically located on the Lucknow - Varanasi Road, Crowne Plaza Lucknow is designed to serve both business and leisure travellers, with a focus on providing modern comforts, thoughtful amenities, and a seamless experience aligned with the global Crowne Plaza promise.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Sachin Bhardwaj said,

“As I step into this role, my focus is on ensuring every guest's experience is exceptional and fostering a culture of excellence within the team. We strive to create moments that leave a lasting impression, and I am committed to working alongside a talented team to elevate Crowne Plaza Lucknow as a leading destination for hospitality.”

This appointment comes at a key moment for IHG, as it celebrates its 50th hotel milestone in India, underscoring the brand’s commitment to growth, guest satisfaction, and operational excellence. With Sachin at the helm of operations, the hotel is poised to set new benchmarks in service delivery in the region.


Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Suraj Ashok Gunjal as Director of Revenue

Park Hyatt Chennai Appoints Suraj Ashok Gunjal as Director of Revenue

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

Park Hyatt Chennai has welcomed Mr. Suraj Ashok Gunjal as its new Director of Revenue, a move aimed at strengthening the hotel’s growth and revenue strategy. Backed by a well-rounded career in hospitality, Suraj brings both front-end experience and deep expertise in revenue management to the role.

An alumnus of the University of Pune with a B.Sc. in Hospitality Studies, Suraj began his career at JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu in the Front Office, where he developed a solid foundation in guest service and operational efficiency. He soon transitioned into revenue and reservations, finding his calling in strategy and data-led decision making.

Over the years, he has worked with top hospitality names including Accor, Ginger, Hilton, and Marriott International. Most recently, he was part of Marriott's Revenue Cluster team in Pune, where he played a key role in optimizing performance across multiple properties.

Suraj’s approach to leadership is grounded in analytics, teamwork, and a keen eye for market dynamics, qualities that align well with Park Hyatt Chennai’s reputation for refined luxury and operational excellence.

Sharing his thoughts on the new role, Suraj Gunjal said, “I am thrilled to join Park Hyatt Chennai as the Director of Revenue. I look forward to collaborating with this talented team and contributing to our shared vision of excellence. I am confident that together, we will uncover new opportunities and achieve exceptional results.”

In this new role, Suraj will oversee revenue functions across the property, focusing on multi-segment optimization, strategic planning, and driving sustained growth for the hotel.


Rais Panjabi Joins ibis India as Director of Sales for Mumbai Cluster

Rais Panjabi Joins ibis India as Director of Sales for Mumbai Cluster

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 31, 2025

ibis India has officially welcomed Mr. Rais Panjabi as the new Director of Sales for its Mumbai Cluster, which includes ibis Mumbai Vikhroli, Navi Mumbai, and Thane. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality, Mr. Panjabi is all set to lead the charge in boosting sales strategy and driving business success across the region.

Before joining ibis, Mr. Panjabi played a key role at Lemon Tree Hotels, where he was known for strengthening market presence, refining sales processes, and guiding high-performance teams. His knack for understanding the market and his people-first approach have consistently led to solid business outcomes.

Speaking on the appointment, Mr. Animesh Kumar, Commercial Head for ibis & ibis Styles India, said, “We are delighted to have Rais join us to lead sales for our key properties in the Mumbai cluster. His extensive industry knowledge, strong client relationships, and proven leadership will be pivotal in strengthening our brand’s commercial performance. With Rais at the helm, we are confident of driving sustainable growth and delivering enhanced value to our partners and guests.”

Sharing his enthusiasm, Mr. Rais Panjabi said, “I am thrilled to be part of the ibis India family and contribute to the brand’s dynamic growth in Mumbai. ibis’ vibrant energy and customer-centric values strongly resonate with my own professional ethos. I look forward to collaborating with the wider team and leveraging my experience to drive impactful strategies, build stronger client connections, and elevate the sales narrative across the cluster.”

With this move, ibis India continues to invest in seasoned talent to strengthen its leadership bench and deliver memorable guest experiences backed by strong commercial performance.

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