Crown & Champa Resorts promotes Mohamed Solah as CEO

Crown & Champa Resorts (CCR) has announced the promotion of Mohamed Solah to Chief Executive Officer. Solah’s journey from an entry-level role in hospitality to leading one of the Maldives’ most prestigious resort portfolios is a true testament to resilience, skill, and CCR’s commitment to nurturing Maldivian talent. With over two decades of experience and an exceptional record in both local and international markets, Solah is poised to lead CCR into an inspiring new era of excellence and innovation.

Solah’s career is a narrative of hard work and ambition. Starting from the ground up, he steadily rose through the ranks, taking on roles like Front Office Manager and Executive Housekeeper, immersing himself in the intricacies of hotel operations. His experience across multiple departments has endowed him with an invaluable understanding of CCR’s mission and operations. His tenure as one of the first Maldivian general managers abroad, combined with his cross-cultural expertise, sets him apart as a leader with a broad perspective on hospitality.

During his time managing Komandoo Maldives, Solah achieved exceptional results, elevating the resort to new heights. Under his leadership, Komandoo earned accolades like Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” award, a distinction given to only the top 1% of hotels globally. Guest satisfaction ratings also soared from an 8 to an impressive 9.6 out of 10. Komandoo’s status as the “Luxury Lifestyle Award” winner for the best beach resort in the Maldives is a testament to Solah’s commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on his journey, Solah credits his success to hard work, skill development, and CCR’s trust. “This milestone proves that with dedication, skill, and support, anyone can reach new heights in their career,” Solah shared. “CCR’s commitment to developing local talent has been instrumental to my growth, and I am honoured to lead a company dedicated to fostering the success of young Maldivians in hospitality.”

In his new role as CEO, Solah will focus on major projects that include the highly anticipated reopening of Veligandu Maldives Resort Island and the extensive renovation of Innahura Maldives Resort. These ventures underscore CCR’s dedication to elevating the guest experience and maintaining its reputation as a leader in luxury hospitality.

Solah’s leadership style is rooted in operational expertise and streamlined processes. He emphasises inter-departmental collaboration and sustainable practices to advance CCR’s legacy of world-class service. His approach fosters a culture of innovation that benefits both guests and staff, ensuring CCR’s properties remain at the forefront of the industry.

Solah holds a Bachelor of Honors from Taylor’s University in Malaysia and an Executive MBA from the University of Bedfordshire. He further honed his skills with the General Managers Program at Cornell University, connecting him with industry leaders worldwide. With additional studies in hospitality management, French language and culture, and hands-on experience in world-class properties like Zaya Nurai Island in Abu Dhabi, Hilton Seychelles, and Sheraton Langkawi, Solah brings a wealth of knowledge to CCR. His international roles, including Cluster General Manager for Zaya Hospitality, where he pre-opened luxury city hotels, further strengthened his cross-cultural management abilities.

Solah is committed to empowering the next generation of Maldivian hospitality professionals, continuing CCR’s tradition of career progression and talent development. “Crown & Champa Resorts is not just a company; it’s a community founded on Maldivian values and a dedication to quality,” he remarked. “I am excited to lead CCR through these dynamic times, with a focus on sustainable guest experiences, enhanced resort management, and a commitment to preserving our natural environment.”

With a portfolio of 10 resorts and a city hotel, CCR caters to travelers from four-star family-friendly vacations to ultra-luxury six-star escapes. The blend of Maldivian values with a global service approach has created a legacy celebrated worldwide. Solah’s remarkable journey stands as an inspiration for young Maldivians aspiring to make their mark in the tourism and hospitality sector, showcasing CCR’s unwavering dedication to fostering talent and promoting career growth within the Maldives.