Amilla Maldives appoints Marc Reader as General Manager
Amilla Maldives has appointed Marc Reader as its new General Manager, marking his return to the Maldives with more than three decades of international hospitality experience, including leadership roles at Finolhu and Huvafen Fushi.
Reader brings experience in luxury resort operations, property repositioning, commercial development and team leadership across the Maldives, Australia and Singapore. His appointment will focus on strengthening Amilla’s international market presence, enhancing guest experiences and supporting the development of its team.
Reader previously served as General Manager of Finolhu in Baa Atoll from December 2016 to April 2023. During his tenure, he oversaw the resort’s transition under new ownership, contributed to the planning of a USD 40 million refurbishment and supported its repositioning as a luxury lifestyle destination. His responsibilities included brand development, operational management, food and beverage innovation and the introduction of an all-butler service model.
Before joining Finolhu, Reader held the position of General Manager and Director of Business Development at Huvafen Fushi Maldives from 2007 to 2009. He subsequently served as Group Director of Special Projects at PER AQUUM Retreats, Resorts and Residences in Singapore from 2009 to 2011, where his responsibilities included strategic planning, operational support for resorts in the Maldives and early concept development for Niyama Private Islands.
His earlier career included serving as General Manager of Lancemore Mansion at Werribee Park in Australia, where he oversaw operations following the property’s conversion into a luxury hotel. He also established and operated food and beverage businesses in Sydney.
More recently, Reader served as Brand Ambassador for Sepia International and Fantasy Foods in 2024, focusing on supply chain operations, commercial development and relationships with luxury resorts in the Maldives. He also undertook postgraduate studies in leadership and strategic management through the Australian Institute of Business.
Reader originally trained in culinary arts and hospitality management at Westminster Kingsway College in London, a background that continues to influence his approach to resort operations, dining experiences and service delivery.
In his new role at Amilla Maldives, Reader will prioritise relationships with international tour operators, travel advisors, destination management companies and other commercial partners. He also plans to maintain a presence in key source markets to strengthen the resort’s positioning and respond to changing traveller expectations.
At the resort level, his priorities include developing employees, strengthening service standards and building on Amilla’s existing identity, which centres on personalised hospitality and its natural surroundings.
Reader believes luxury hospitality is increasingly defined by the freedom guests have to experience a destination at their own pace, rather than facilities and accommodation alone. This approach aligns with Amilla’s setting in Baa Atoll, where its house reef, Blue Hole, mature banyan trees and tropical vegetation form part of the guest experience.
“I’m tremendously happy to be back in the Maldives and especially to be joining Amilla. It is an island with enormous personality and enormous potential. My job now is to work with our team and our partners to build on what is already here, strengthen our connection with the market and make sure Amilla is very firmly in the conversation,” Reader said.
His appointment comes with a focus on maintaining the resort’s established character while strengthening its commercial relationships, employee development and guest experience.
