JOALI announces changes in leadership

JOALI, an immersive lifestyle luxury hotel brand, has announced a series of exciting appointments set to begin a new era of hospitality, effective from 1 September.

Enver Arslan is promoted to Area General Manager from the General Manager of JOALI Maldives. In this role, Enver will be responsible for overseeing JOALI Maldives, JOALI BEING and BIJAL Turkey. Enver has been a pioneer leader of JOALI Maldives since pre-opening and has made a tremendous impact on the success of the brand. A seasoned hotelier, he has brought a keen understanding of true luxury and a lifelong passion for travel to the Island of Joy.

Enver’s professional journey began with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and his career path has taken him around the globe, from the majestic ski slopes of the Grand Teton to the sparkling lights of Las Vegas, followed by the desert plateaus of the Middle East, and finally to the tropics of the Maldives.

In 2017, Enver joined the opening team of JOALI Maldives as Resort Director, taking charge of the property’s operational departments. His warm demeanour and strong work ethic soon made him a favourite among guests, team members and industry peers alike. He was promoted to General Manager of JOALI Maldives in 2021.

Meanwhile, Shifaz Hassan, who has been the Resort Manager of JOALI Maldives since March 2022, has been named Enver’s successor as General Manager. With over a decade of dedicated service to the hospitality industry of the Maldives, Shifaz has played a vital role in JOALI Maldives since its inception. In 2018, he joined the resort as a Front Office Manager and was promoted to Rooms Divisions Manager in 2020, eventually becoming the Resort Manager.

With his keen eye for detail and expertise, Shifaz brings a wealth of experience in the guest services and rooms division. He has a deep understanding of hospitality in the Maldives and has worked with guests and hosts from all cultures and nationalities. As a leader, he is dedicated to providing exceptional service and curating memories for the guests at the resort.

JOALI BEING announces the promotion of Graeme Freeman from Resort Manager to General Manager. Graeme joined JOALI BEING during its pre-opening stages, bringing a new era of wellbeing to the Maldivian tourism landscape. His career commenced with a pivotal role as part of the management team at Karma Group, a renowned international travel and lifestyle brand celebrated for its excellence across diverse regions. Building on his initial achievements, Graeme transitioned into operational leadership, progressing from his role as Resort Manager and subsequently assumed the General Manager position at Karma Jimbaran Resort.

Demonstrating a seasoned and international perspective, Graeme’s career path extended to Hua Hin, Thailand, where he assumed a leadership role overseeing the operations of Aleenta Resort & Spa. Adding to his impressive portfolio, he further excelled as the Resident Manager at Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives, showcasing his exceptional ability to curate unparalleled guest experiences within this luxurious tropical haven.

Graeme Freeman’s expertise spans a spectrum of vital competencies, including orchestrating day-to-day operations to ensure the realisation of operational goals, cultivating guest engagement strategies, and fostering professional growth paths for his team members. His dedication to nurturing talent and driving business development aligns perfectly with JOALI BEING’s commitment to redefining the concept of wellbeing in the Maldives.

The new appointments come at an exciting time for JOALI, as the brand prepares for an exhilarating festive season. Over the past years, JOALI has continued to garner recognition as a top destination for luxury travellers seeking unparalleled hospitality service, and with the new roles of Enver, Shifaz and Graeme, the coming year is set to be a memorable one.

“At JOALI, we believe in fostering talent within and providing opportunities to grow and thrive. The newly appointed leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of JOALI as we continue to grow in this very competitive industry”, said Hakan Öztürk, Tourism Group General Director of Gurok Group.

Cover photo – (R-L): Enver Arslan, Shifaz Hassan, and Graeme Freeman.