People at the centre: Iyufa Amir’s approach to HR at Madifushi Private Island

At the heart of every memorable island experience is a team that feels supported, valued and inspired. Madifushi Private Island is highlighting Iyufa Amir, Human Resources Manager, whose people-first approach and strategic expertise help shape the culture behind the resort’s guest experience.

For Iyufa, hospitality has always been about people. Behind every villa, every thoughtful gesture and every moment of service is a team member whose own experience at work matters just as much. Her approach to Human Resources reflects this belief, combining strategic thinking with empathy, trust and a genuine interest in helping people grow.

With more than six years of progressive Human Resources experience across respected luxury hospitality brands, including IHG, Soneva and Hilton, Iyufa brings a strong understanding of HR operations, employee relations, recruitment, compliance and performance management. Her career has been shaped not only by the breadth of her experience, but also by her genuine commitment to employee well-being, professional development and creating inclusive workplace cultures.

Her hospitality journey began with operational experience at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, followed by an early Human Resources internship at Dhigali Maldives. In 2020, she joined Soneva Fushi as a Human Resources Assistant, where her work in recruitment and employee relations quickly earned recognition, leading to a promotion within five months. She went on to progress to Human Resources Coordinator and later Assistant Area Talent Acquisition Manager, supporting talent acquisition across Soneva’s resorts in the Maldives.

Working across multiple Soneva resorts gave Iyufa the opportunity to be part of a fast-paced period of growth, where finding and welcoming the right people was central to the success of the operation. She supported the recruitment of more than 750 employees, helping build teams that met the needs of the business while creating greater opportunities for Maldivian talent. She also coordinated the onboarding of hundreds of new colleagues, the experience shaped her understanding of what it takes to create a strong employee journey from the first conversation with a candidate to helping them feel that they belong once they become part of the team.

Before joining Madifushi Private Island, Iyufa’s experience at Noku Maldives, Vignette Collection by IHG, further shaped the way she approaches people and culture. During the property’s rebranding, she worked through a period of significant change, helping bring people practices in line with IHG standards while supporting employees through the transition. It was also during this time that she founded the Noku Women’s Association, creating a space for women employees to share their experiences, concerns and ideas.

Iyufa holds a Master of Science in International Human Resource Management from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Human Resource Management from the University of Sunderland, UK. She is a CIPD Associate Member with Level 7 professional standing and previously served as a Student Ambassador for the South East of Scotland CIPD, helping connect students, educational institutions and HR professionals.

In her role at Madifushi Private Island, Iyufa brings together strategic thinking and a distinctly human approach to HR. Known for building trust across all levels of an organisation, she balances operational priorities with empathy, integrity and a clear understanding that every policy and process ultimately affects people.

“I believe the true strength of a hospitality organisation is reflected in the people behind the experience. When our employees feel valued, supported and empowered, they bring that confidence and sense of belonging into every interaction with our guests. My role in HR is therefore not only to manage processes, but to understand people, build trust and create an environment where individuals can thrive. My journey across the hospitality industry has shown me the impact that a strong people culture can have on both employees and business performance, and I am proud to continue that journey at Madifushi Private Island,” said Iyufa Amir, Human Resources Manager at Madifushi Private Island.

Commenting on Iyufa’s contribution, Mohamed Hilmy, General Manager of Madifushi Private Island, said, “Iyufa brings a thoughtful, people-centred approach to Human Resources, grounded in strong professional expertise and genuine care for our team. Her commitment to building trust, strengthening workplace culture and balancing strategic priorities with empathy makes her a valuable leader at Madifushi Private Island. We are proud to have her leading our HR function and look forward to the positive impact she will continue to make.”