Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives appoints Elizabeth Smailes as Director of Marketing
Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives has announced the appointment of Elizabeth (“Liz”) Smailes as Director of Marketing, following her assumption of the role in December 2025.
Well acquainted with the Maldives, Liz Smailes has previously held senior marketing leadership positions with Minor Hotels and played a key role in the opening of what is now known as The Standard, Maldives. Her professional background also includes notable commercial and brand achievements at Broughton Sanctuary in the United Kingdom, strategic consultancy work for tourism authorities and private-sector clients, and the co-founding of an award-winning hospitality venture recognised for excellence in guest experience and market positioning.
Liz brings extensive international experience across global hospitality, luxury tourism, brand development and strategic marketing communications. Her career spans Europe, the Maldives, Thailand, Myanmar and the United Kingdom, with a strong track record in building brands, driving commercial performance and delivering integrated, results-driven marketing strategies.
In her role at Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, Liz will lead all marketing, communications and media strategies for the resort, with a clear focus on strengthening brand reputation and delivering measurable returns on marketing investment. Her responsibilities include overseeing marketing, communications and public relations initiatives, driving integrated campaigns in close collaboration with the Revenue, Sales and Food & Beverage teams, and working alongside Park Hotel Group’s Corporate Marketing & Communications team to ensure consistent messaging and compelling storytelling across global markets.
Commenting on the appointment, Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu Maldives, said Liz brings “a rare combination of strategic clarity, creative vision and hands-on execution,” adding that her global outlook, understanding of luxury hospitality and collaborative leadership style will be instrumental as the resort strengthens its market presence and enters its next phase of growth.
Liz Smailes said she was pleased to be returning to the Maldives, describing it as a destination where hospitality continues to operate at a globally recognised level. She noted that while the essence of the Maldives remains unchanged, travel patterns, guest motivations and expectations have evolved significantly. She added that her focus at Grand Park Kodhipparu would be on creating more meaningful connections with guests, highlighting the character of the resort and ensuring the guest journey authentically reflects both the brand and the island’s distinctive ethos.
Recognised for her collaborative approach, strong communication skills and ability to translate strategy into tangible outcomes, Liz is expected to play a key role in enhancing Grand Park Kodhipparu’s brand profile, supporting commercial growth and delivering meaningful engagement across both traditional and digital channels.
