RAH GILI Maldives, the first island in the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS collection, has appointed André Kretschmann as General Manager, bringing more than 30 years of international luxury hospitality experience to the resort.

Kretschmann has built his career across Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean, holding senior leadership positions with GHM Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and LVMH Hotel Management. His experience spans luxury resort operations, hotel openings, team leadership and the development of high-end hospitality properties.

During his tenure with LVMH Hotel Management, he served as Director for Hotel Openings and Area General Manager for Maison Cheval Blanc. He also played a key role in the development, pre-opening and post-opening operations of Cheval Blanc Randheli in the Maldives, gaining extensive experience in managing luxury island resorts.

He later became General Manager of The Chedi Kuda Villingili, where he led the property through its pre-opening and post-opening phases. More recently, he has advised hospitality companies on the development and planning of luxury resorts and residences, with a particular focus on the Maldives.

Before his appointments in the Maldives, Kretschmann held 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 Maldives, Kretschmann will oversee the island’s overall operations, covering service, dining, wellbeing, guest experiences and day-to-day management. His responsibilities will also include developing the resort’s approach to personalised hospitality and team leadership.

A key part of his role will be the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS concept of Bodu Edhuru, or Head of the Edhurun, which places emphasis on mentorship, teamwork and building meaningful connections across the resort. The approach reflects the collection’s focus on creating a distinctive guest experience through the people who bring the island to life.

Commenting on the appointment, Laith Pharaon, Co-founder and CEO of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, said: “André understands that exceptional hospitality is not created by following a formula. It comes from people, instinct and knowing when the smallest detail can change how someone feels. His experience speaks for itself, but what matters to us is the way he leads — with standards, character and a genuine commitment to his team. RAH GILI was created to feel alive, personal and connected, and I believe André is the right leader to carry that spirit forward.”

Speaking about his appointment, André Kretschmann said: “RAH GILI has a very distinct spirit. It is an island built around people, personality and the freedom for guests to experience the Maldives in their own way. I am looking forward to becoming part of that story, working alongside the team and building on what has already been created. For me, hospitality has always been about people first, and that makes RAH GILI a particularly exciting place to call home.”

Kretschmann will lead the RAH GILI team as the resort continues to develop its guest offering in the Maldives, drawing on his extensive experience in luxury resort management to shape the island’s service standards, team culture and approach to personalised hospitality.

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