Pulse Hotels & Resorts’ Aalim Mohamed to deliver session on leadership 5.0 at Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2025

Hotelier Maldives, the leading hospitality media group in the Maldives, has announced that Aalim Mohamed, Group Director of Human Resources at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, will deliver a presentation titled “Leadership 5.0 and Moving Beyond Resilience in Hospitality” at the ninth edition of the Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum, taking place at Kurumba Maldives on 13 October 2025.

In his presentation, Aalim will explore how leadership in the hospitality sector must evolve in the era of technological disruption, shifting workforce expectations, and complex global challenges. He will discuss how leaders can move beyond traditional notions of resilience to cultivate cultures of adaptability, purpose, and human-centred innovation—essential qualities for navigating the next chapter of hospitality.

With more than 20 years of diverse international experience, Aalim has worked across five industries and 14 organisations in seven countries — including the United States, Canada, Singapore, the UAE, Thailand, Mauritius, and the Maldives. His extensive background includes leadership roles at some of the world’s most renowned brands, such as Capella Hotel Group, Villa Group, The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort, Kanuhura Maldives, and One&Only Reethi Rah.

As Group Director of Human Resources at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, Aalim leads the group’s people and culture strategy, driving transformation, talent development, and wellbeing across its portfolio. He is also the Co-founder and Chief Curator of World of Tomorrow, an event curation platform dedicated to creating transformative experiences that inspire and connect forward-thinking leaders.

Throughout his career, Aalim has collaborated with 19 General Managers and Managing Directors from 13 nationalities, leading multicultural teams representing over 113 nationalities — a scope that has deeply informed his approach to leadership and cross-cultural engagement. He also pioneered the Maldives’ first Wellbeing Certification and Auditing Programme, reflecting his commitment to employee wellbeing and organisational excellence.

A Gallup Strengths Coach and Predictive Index Analyst, Aalim believes that leadership in today’s world must be grounded in empathy, adaptability, and purpose — qualities that not only drive business success but also foster meaningful human connection.

In addition to Aalim’s presentation, the Hotelier Maldives GM Forum 2025 will feature a distinguished line-up of speakers and panellists under the central theme, “Digitalisation and Expanding Experiences.”

Ru Yi, Assistant Vice President of International Markets, APAC at Trip.com Group, will deliver the keynote address on “Travel in the Age of Digital Transformation.”

Radouane Namaoui, Global Head of Key Accounts at TrustYou, will be the Featured Speaker, presenting “Unlocking Loyalty Through Digital Guest Journeys.” Abubakar Latif, Chief Technology Officer at Beyon Cyber and Board Member at DTS Solutions UAE, will deliver a presentation on “A Stakeholder Analysis of Cyber Risks in the Hospitality Industry.” This session is sponsored by Dhiraagu.

A panel discussion on “Destination Marketing in the Digital Era: Building Maldives’ Global Presence Beyond the Beach” will explore how the Maldives can expand its destination identity beyond the traditional sun, sand, and sea narrative. Moderated by Mathurot Chuladul, Field Marketing Director, Communications – Maldives, Marriott International, the panel will feature Ru Yi, Radouane Namaoui, Abdulla Ghiyas, Chairman of Visit Maldives, and Murad Hassan, Tourism Marketing Specialist.

Another panel discussion, “Reimagining the Guest Journey: Digital Touchpoints from Booking to Post-Stay,” will examine how digitalisation is reshaping every phase of the hospitality experience. Mohamed Shafraz Hafiz, Director of Digital Technology & Marketing at Pulse Hotels & Resorts, will moderate the session, joined by Heidi Grimwood, Senior Vice President, ELE|NA; Justin Swart, General Manager, The Standard Maldives; and Morten Junior, General Manager, Kurumba Maldives.

Hotelier Maldives will announce one more panel discussion and two additional speakers later this week.

Now in its ninth edition, the Hotelier Maldives General Managers (GM) Forum is the country’s most anticipated annual gathering of resort general managers, senior industry executives, and key tourism stakeholders. Since its inception in 2016, the Forum has served as a vital platform for industry dialogue, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, driving the continued growth and innovation of the Maldives’ hospitality sector.

The GM Forum 2025 will focus on the overarching theme, “Digitalisation and Expanding Experiences,” exploring how technology, innovation, and guest engagement are shaping the next frontier of Maldivian hospitality.

Partners and sponsors of GM Forum 2025 include: