Sun Siyam Iru Veli’s Masdhooq Saeed wins Best General Manager – Hospitality in Maldives

Sun Siyam Iru Veli has announced that its General Manager, Masdhooq Saeed, has been named Best General Manager – Hospitality in Maldives at the World GM Awards 2025. He is the first Maldivian to receive the title, a milestone for the resort and the country’s hospitality sector.

Masdhooq began his career in 2001 as a receptionist in the Front Office, progressing through roles in reservations and villa hosting before moving into management. He joined Sun Siyam in 2023 as General Manager at Sun Siyam Iru Veli. Under his leadership, the resort enhanced the guest experience and strengthened its position as a leading all-inclusive destination, delivering an 8% revenue increase above target in 2024 and achieving 90% occupancy in early 2025.

‘Masdhooq’s achievement is a proud moment for all of us,’ said Deepak Booneady, CEO of Sun Siyam. ‘His journey reflects the very essence of The Home of the Maldivian Spirit, built on passion, perseverance, and purpose. What sets him apart is not only his results, but his heart. He leads with empathy, empowers his team, and reminds us that true hospitality is about people first. We are incredibly proud to have him represent Sun Siyam and the Maldives on the global stage.’

Masdhooq is noted for mentoring and leadership development across departments, with a focus on nurturing local talent, advancing sustainability initiatives, and building a culture of high performance.

The World GM Awards, also known as the Golden Tree Awards, recognise general managers worldwide for leadership, innovation, and service excellence. Winners are selected through a competitive evaluation process that considers performance, guest satisfaction, and community engagement, conducted by a panel of hospitality professionals.