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.


JW Marriott Kolkata Appoints Pappu Singh as Director of Culinary

JW Marriott Kolkata Appoints Pappu Singh as Director of Culinary

By Hariharan U

Published on October 24, 2026

JW Marriott Kolkata has appointed Pappu Singh as Director of Culinary, strengthening its culinary leadership with a hospitality professional who brings more than 22 years of experience across luxury hotels, fine dining and large-scale banqueting operations.

Singh joins the Kolkata property following his most recent assignment as Executive Chef at The Oberoi Beach Resort, Sahl Hasheesh, Egypt, where he led culinary operations across multiple dining venues and banquet facilities.

His career includes senior culinary roles at several prominent hospitality properties in India, including The Oberoi Grand, Kolkata; Trident Udaipur; Trident Chennai; Oberoi Gurgaon; and Trident Gurgaon. Across these assignments, he gained experience in restaurant and banquet management, menu development, food quality and kitchen team leadership.

With experience spanning both domestic and international hospitality markets, Singh brings a broad understanding of culinary operations and the requirements of luxury dining. His background in managing diverse food and beverage outlets and large-scale banqueting is expected to support JW Marriott Kolkata's culinary offerings and guest dining experiences.

As Director of Culinary, Singh will bring his expertise to the hotel's food and beverage operations, with a focus on culinary execution, consistency and team development.

His appointment marks a new chapter in his career and adds to the hotel's culinary leadership as it continues to serve guests across its dining and event offerings.


Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar Appoints Ombeer Singh as Head Chef

Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar Appoints Ombeer Singh as Head Chef

By Hariharan U

Published on October 24, 2026

Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar has appointed Ombeer Singh as Head Chef, strengthening its culinary leadership team with an experienced hospitality professional who brings over 18 years of industry experience.

In his new role, Singh will oversee the hotel's culinary operations, including menu planning and development, food quality, kitchen management, hygiene and safety compliance, and team leadership. He will also work closely with the hotel's leadership team to enhance dining experiences for business and leisure travellers.

Before joining Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, Singh served as Executive Chef at Novotel Jodhpur, where he led culinary operations, menu innovation and kitchen management while maintaining food quality and guest satisfaction standards.

His professional journey also includes key culinary assignments with TAJ SATS Air Catering, Marriott Jaipur, Waldorf Astoria Dubai and InterContinental Hotel Doha in Qatar. During his tenure as Chef de Partie at Waldorf Astoria Dubai, he gained international experience in premium dining and luxury hospitality operations.

Commenting on the appointment, Srivatsa Allampalli, General Manager, Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar, said, “We are delighted to welcome Ombeer to Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar. His extensive culinary expertise, international exposure, and passion for excellence will be instrumental in elevating our food and beverage offerings. We are confident that his leadership will further enhance our guests’ dining experiences and contribute significantly to the hotel’s continued growth and success.”

Singh's career reflects experience across luxury hotels, international hospitality brands and large-scale culinary operations. His appointment is expected to support the hotel's focus on culinary innovation, consistent food quality and memorable guest experiences.

Outside the kitchen, Singh enjoys outdoor camping, cooking and exploring historical destinations, interests that complement his appreciation for different cultures, flavours and experiences.

The appointment reinforces Hyatt Place Jaipur Malviya Nagar's focus on strengthening its leadership team and developing its food and beverage offerings for modern travellers.


Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Chef Ajay Anand as Executive Chef

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad Appoints Chef Ajay Anand as Executive Chef

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on October 24, 2026

Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad has appointed Chef Ajay Anand as Executive Chef, bringing an extensive international culinary background and experience across luxury hotels, cruise lines and restaurants. The appointment is expected to bring fresh ideas and new culinary experiences to the hotel's restaurants.

Chef Ajay is a graduate of the Indian Hotels Diploma Program at Taj Palace. His career has taken him through several recognised kitchens, including Orient Express and Café Fontana. He also spent nearly 20 years with Carnival Cruise Lines, where he rose to the position of Executive Chef and helped shape onboard dining experiences across the company's flagship concepts.

Following his tenure with Carnival Cruise Lines, Chef Ajay brought his expertise to Accor Group's Pullman & Novotel Aerocity and Aroqa Hospitality in New York, which is listed in the Michelin Guide. Most recently, he was associated with 1932 Trevi, part of the One Window Hospitality and Iris Restaurants group.

Chef Ajay's culinary philosophy focuses on fresh ingredients, technical expertise and creativity. His approach combines European elegance, Asian restraint and American creativity, with an emphasis on ingredients such as free-range meats and tree-ripened produce.

“In every dish, we seek to create surprise, memory, and meaning,” says Chef Ajay.

His experience across different culinary traditions and international dining environments is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad's food and beverage offerings.

Commenting on the appointment, Sonale Zagade, General Manager, Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad, said, “Ajay's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad. His extensive global experience, innovative approach, and passion for culinary excellence will further elevate our dining experiences and strengthen our position as a leading hospitality destination in the city”.

With his background in international kitchens, cruise line operations and restaurant management, Chef Ajay will lead the hotel's culinary operations, focusing on developing its dining experiences and bringing new ideas to its restaurants.

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