- RAH GILI MALDIVES has appointed veteran hotelier André Kretschmann as General Manager to oversee island operations and guest experience.
- Kretschmann brings over three decades of luxury hospitality experience, including roles at LVMH, Shangri-La and GHM, and Maldives openings like Cheval Blanc Randheli.
- RAH GILI is the first of six planned resorts by Malé-headquartered SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, featuring 74 villas in a dolphin sanctuary.
RAH GILI MALDIVES has appointed André Kretschmann as General Manager, placing the veteran hotelier in charge of the island’s operations and overall guest experience.
Kretschmann brings more than three decades of international luxury hospitality experience across Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean. His career includes senior leadership roles with GHM Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and LVMH Hotel Management.
During his time with LVMH Hotel Management, he served as Director for Hotel Openings and Area General Manager for Maison Cheval Blanc. He was also responsible for the development and opening of Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives, overseeing its pre-opening and post-opening operations.
Kretschmann later served as General Manager of The Chedi Kuda Villingili, leading the resort through its pre-opening and post-opening stages. More recently, he has advised hospitality companies on the planning and development of luxury resorts and residences, with a particular focus on the Maldives.
His earlier appointments include General Manager positions at The Legian Bali, The Chedi Muscat, The Chedi Phuket and Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.
At RAH GILI, Kretschmann will oversee the full operation of the island, including service, dining, wellbeing, experiences and the daily management of the resort. His role will also incorporate the spirit of the Bodu Edhuru, or Head of the Edhurun, which SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS describes as an approach to leadership centred on mentorship, presence and bringing people together.
Laith Pharaon, Co-founder and CEO of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, said Kretschmann’s experience, leadership style and commitment to his team made him the right person to guide RAH GILI and its service culture.
Kretschmann said the island’s focus on people, personality and allowing guests to experience the Maldives in their own way aligned with his own approach to hospitality. He added that he looked forward to working with the team and building on what has already been created.
RAH GILI MALDIVES is the first island within the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS collection. Located in South Malé Atoll within a protected dolphin sanctuary, the resort comprises 74 villas and draws on Maldivian culture, craft and nature.
SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS is a Malé-headquartered hospitality company developing six luxury and ultra-luxury resorts in the Maldives. Each resort in its portfolio will operate under an independent brand and architectural identity.
