RAH GILI MALDIVES appoints André Kretschmann as General Manager
RAH GILI MALDIVES, the first island within the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS collection, has appointed André Kretschmann, as General Manager, bringing more than three decades of international luxury hospitality experience to the island.
A seasoned hotelier with a career spanning Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean, André has led some of the world’s most recognised luxury resorts and has extensive experience in the Maldives. His career includes senior leadership roles with GHM Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and LVMH Hotel Management, where he served as Director for Hotel Openings and Area General Manager for Maison Cheval Blanc. Among his most significant Maldives assignments was the development and opening of Cheval Blanc Randheli, where André oversaw both pre-opening and post-opening operations for LVMH Hotel Management. He later served as General Manager of The Chedi Kuda Villingili, leading the resort through its pre- 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.
At RAH GILI, André will lead the island’s operations as General Manager, while embracing the spirit of the Bodu Edhuru — Head of the Edhurun: a role rooted in mentorship, presence and the way people are brought together. This reflects the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS philosophy that leadership extends beyond operations to shaping a strong, connected island community.
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.”
André’s career has been shaped by both established luxury hotels and landmark openings. Prior to his Maldives appointments, he held General Manager positions at The Legian Bali, The Chedi Muscat, The Chedi Phuket and Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa, among others. He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.
Commenting on 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.”
André will lead the team, overseeing the full operation of RAH GILI and working across every aspect of the guest experience, from service and hospitality to dining, wellbeing, experiences and the day-to-day rhythm of island life. His role will be to bring the island’s people, places and possibilities together in a way that feels seamless, personal and true to the spirit of RAH GILI — giving guests the freedom to Live Your Lifestyle.
