Crown & Champa Resorts appoints Akira Shiota as General Manager of Kudadoo, Hurawalhi Maldives

Crown & Champa Resorts has announced the appointment of Akira Shiota as the new General Manager of Kudadoo Maldives Private Island and Hurawalhi Island Resort. With an illustrious career spanning over 28 years in the luxury hospitality industry, Shiota brings a wealth of international experience, strong leadership, and a commitment to service excellence that aligns with the award-winning ethos of both properties.

A native of Japan, Shiota has cultivated his expertise through key leadership roles across prestigious hospitality brands including Hilton, St. Regis, Mandarin Oriental, and The Ritz-Carlton. His journey began in food and beverage, rising from a bartender to Restaurant Manager at Hilton Osaka, and later advancing to roles such as Director of Food & Beverage and Executive Assistant Manager. His career has taken him across Japan, the UK, and China, allowing him to build a deep understanding of cross-cultural guest expectations and operational excellence.

In 2019, Shiota was appointed as the opening General Manager of Aman Kyoto, where he played an instrumental role in establishing the resort’s distinctive identity and high standards. Most recently, he served as General Manager at Amankila in Bali, where he continued to uphold the legacy of refined service and personalised guest experiences. His leadership has consistently resulted in prestigious accolades, including recognition from Michelin Guide, Forbes Travel Guide, Condé Nast Traveller, Travel + Leisure, and Wine Spectator Magazine.

Notably, his guidance contributed to the Michelin star recognition for both Tapas Molecular Bar at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo and Tempura Mizuki at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, reflecting his dedication to culinary excellence.

“I am incredibly excited to take on the role of General Manager at Hurawalhi and Kudadoo. Both properties are known for their exceptional service, breathtaking surroundings, and commitment to creating unique and memorable experiences for our guests. It’s a true privilege to be part of such a talented team. As I step into this new role, my focus will be on enhancing the guest experience, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring that every team member feels empowered to contribute to our collective success. I believe in leading by example, building strong relationships, and continuously improving to meet the evolving needs of our guests. Together, we will continue to set new standards in luxury hospitality, while preserving the integrity and authenticity that make Hurawalhi and Kudadoo so special,” Shiota stated.

Shiota is known for his approachable leadership style and his passion for cultivating high-performing teams that are committed to delivering excellence at every touchpoint. Outside of his professional life, he enjoys outdoor adventures, painting, listening to music, and spending time immersed in nature, pursuits that harmonise with the serene and mindful ambiance of Kudadoo and Hurawalhi.

His appointment marks a significant milestone in further strengthening the positioning of both Kudadoo Maldives Private Island and Hurawalhi Island Resort as premier luxury destinations in the Maldives, known for their exceptional service, sustainability initiatives, and unforgettable guest experiences.

Nestled amidst the pristine beauty of the Maldives, Hurawalhi Island Resort and Kudadoo Maldives Private Island offer unparalleled luxury and tranquility. With pristine lagoons and powdery white sandy beaches, these resorts provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable holiday experiences.