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RAH GILI Maldives, the first island within the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS collection, has appointed André Kretschmann as General Manager.
Kretschmann brings more than three decades of international luxury hospitality experience across Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean.
His career includes senior leadership roles with GHM Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts and LVMH Hotel Management.
During his time with LVMH Hotel Management, he served as Director for Hotel Openings and Area General Manager for Maison Cheval Blanc.
His previous Maldives experience includes overseeing the development, pre-opening and post-opening operations of Cheval Blanc Randheli.
Kretschmann later served as General Manager of The Chedi Kuda Villingili, leading the resort through its pre-opening and post-opening stages.
More recently, he has advised hospitality companies on the development and planning of luxury resorts and residences, with a particular focus on the Maldives.
At RAH GILI, Kretschmann will oversee the full operation of the island, including service, dining, wellbeing, guest experiences and day-to-day operations.
His role will also incorporate the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS concept of Bodu Edhuru, or Head of the Edhurun, which places an emphasis on mentorship and building connections across the resort team.
Speaking to the appointment, Laith Pharaon, Co-founder and CEO of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, said: “André understands that exceptional hospitality is not created by following a formula. It comes from people, instinct and knowing when the smallest detail can change how someone feels. His experience speaks for itself, but what matters to us is the way he leads — with standards, character and a genuine commitment to his team. RAH GILI was created to feel alive, personal and connected, and I believe André is the right leader to carry that spirit forward.”
Prior to his Maldives appointments, Kretschmann held General Manager positions at The Legian Bali, The Chedi Muscat, The Chedi Phuket and Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa.
He is also a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality.
Commenting on his new role, André Kretschmann said: “RAH GILI has a very distinct spirit. It is an island built around people, personality and the freedom for guests to experience the Maldives in their own way. I am looking forward to becoming part of that story, working alongside the team and building on what has already been created. For me, hospitality has always been about people first, and that makes RAH GILI a particularly exciting place to call home.”
Kretschmann will lead the RAH GILI team and oversee the continued development of the guest experience across the island.
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