HIH appoints Yoonus Ibrahim as F&B Manager; Deepak Kumar as Madifushi Private Island’s Executive Chef

Maldives Inflight Catering Group has announced the appointments of two distinguished professionals to key leadership positions within its portfolio. Yoonus Ibrahim has been appointed as the new Food and Beverage Manager at Hulhule Island Hotel, while Deepak Kumar joins Madifushi Private Island as Executive Chef. These strategic appointments underscore the group’s ongoing commitment to enhancing guest dining experiences across both properties.

Yoonus, named Hotelier Maldives’s Youngest Hotelier of the Year in 2024, brings over 16 years of experience in luxury hospitality and food & beverage operations. He began his career as a Restaurant Waiter at Kuramathi Island Resort, progressed to Restaurant Supervisor at Velassaru Maldives and Coastline Travel Group, and established a strong foundation in menu design, team leadership, and high-end service delivery. At Kudafushi Resort & Spa, he advanced to F&B Manager, playing a pivotal role in customer service development and product innovation.

His tenure at Atmosphere Core’s OBLU Xperience Ailafushi & OBLU Select Lobigili included significant contributions to event planning, supplier negotiations, and cost control. Prior to joining Hulhule Island Hotel, Yoonus served as Assistant F&B Manager at Ozen Reserve Bolifushi. His award-winning background, dynamic leadership, and proven expertise are expected to enhance and diversify the food & beverage experience at Hulhule Island Hotel.

Deepak Kumar brings extensive culinary expertise from over a decade of service at some of India’s top hospitality brands. His career began at Le Meridien, Mumbai, followed by key roles at Taj Lands’ End, The Leela, and The Lalit. At Renaissance Hotel and Convention Centre & Marriott Executive Apartments in Powai, Deepak served as Sous Chef Banquet for two years before his promotion to Senior Sous Chef. At The Leela, he rose from Chef de Partie to Executive Sous Chef, leading kitchen operations and pioneering modern culinary approaches.

Deepak holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hotel Management, enhancing his professional capabilities. His customer service skills, team-building expertise, and knowledge of modern culinary trends and techniques will be instrumental in his new role as Executive Chef at Madifushi Private Island.

Group General Manager Ali Shakir expressed his thoughts on the appointments, stating, “Welcoming these two incredible talents onboard is an achievement for our entire portfolio. Both bring a wealth of experience, passion, and drive. With their leadership, the combined F&B experience at Hulhule Island Hotel and Madifushi Private Island will be unmatched in the Maldivian hospitality sector. I am confident that their expertise and vision will not only enhance our offerings but set new benchmarks of excellence.”

These appointments mark a significant milestone for Maldives Inflight Catering Group as it strengthens its leadership team to drive innovation and guest satisfaction at both Hulhule Island Hotel and Madifushi Private Island.