Iyufa Amir Shapes People-First Culture at Madifushi Private Island

A people-first approach to Human Resources is shaping workplace culture and the employee experience at Madifushi Private Island, where Iyufa Amir serves as Human Resources Manager.

With more than six years of progressive Human Resources experience across luxury hospitality brands including IHG, Soneva and Hilton, Iyufa has developed expertise in HR operations, employee relations, recruitment, compliance and performance management. Her work has also focused on employee well-being, professional development and inclusive workplace cultures.

Her hospitality career began with operational experience at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, followed by a Human Resources internship at Dhigali Maldives. In 2020, she joined Soneva Fushi as a Human Resources Assistant and was promoted within five months following her work in recruitment and employee relations.

Iyufa subsequently progressed to Human Resources Coordinator and later Assistant Area Talent Acquisition Manager, supporting talent acquisition across Soneva’s resorts in the Maldives.

During a period of growth across the properties, she supported the recruitment of more than 750 employees. The work helped build teams that met operational requirements while creating greater opportunities for Maldivian talent.

She also coordinated the onboarding of hundreds of new colleagues. This experience contributed to her understanding of the employee journey, beginning with the first interaction with a candidate and continuing through their integration into the workplace.

Before joining Madifushi Private Island, Iyufa worked at Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection by IHG. During the property’s rebranding, she helped align its people practices with IHG standards while supporting employees through the transition.

She also founded the Noku Women’s Association, providing women employees with a space to share their experiences, concerns and ideas.

Iyufa holds a Master of Science in International Human Resource Management from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Human Resource Management from the University of Sunderland, UK.

She is a CIPD Associate Member with Level 7 professional standing and previously served as a Student Ambassador for the South East of Scotland CIPD, connecting students, educational institutions and HR professionals.

At Madifushi Private Island, Iyufa’s role combines strategic Human Resources management with a focus on trust, empathy and the impact of workplace policies on employees.

“I believe the true strength of a hospitality organisation is reflected in the people behind the experience. When our employees feel valued, supported and empowered, they bring that confidence and sense of belonging into every interaction with our guests. My role in HR is therefore not only to manage processes, but to understand people, build trust and create an environment where individuals can thrive. My journey across the hospitality industry has shown me the impact that a strong people culture can have on both employees and business performance, and I am proud to continue that journey at Madifushi Private Island,” Iyufa said.

Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, said Iyufa’s professional expertise and focus on employee welfare have made her an important part of the resort’s leadership.

“Iyufa brings a thoughtful, people-centred approach to Human Resources, grounded in strong professional expertise and genuine care for our team. Her commitment to building trust, strengthening workplace culture and balancing strategic priorities with empathy makes her a valuable leader at Madifushi Private Island. We are proud to have her leading our HR function and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make.”