Pictured (l-r): Helen Malmgren, Director of Sales and Marketing; Afrah Abdulla, Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing; Thet Htet Thein, Director of Revenue Strategy; Yousef Almaryan, Director of Sales Middle East
Strengthening its strategic leadership team, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands has announced four new director-level appointments in its Sales and Marketing division. The resort is the flagship property of Patina Hotels and Resorts, a sophisticated hospitality concept by Capella Hotel Group, that appeals to the contemporary traveller seeking deeper connections with themselves and the world around them.
Helen Malmgren, Director of Sales and Marketing
Helen Malmgren has been appointed Director of Sales & Marketing and officially took up her role on 10 November. Originally from Malaysia and now settled in Dubai, where she will continue to be based, Helen's career in luxury hospitality spans over three decades, encompassing iconic brands in Asia such as The Peninsula Hotels, Regent Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria, and St. Regis. Her previous experience in the Maldives includes the opening of Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi and more recently the St. Regis Vommuli Resort.
Afrah Abdulla, Assistant Director of Sales and Marketing
Joining as Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing on 25 September, Afrah is a Maldives native whose hospitality and sales career has spanned his home country, including previous posts with Waldorf Astoria Ithaafushi, St. Regis, Gili Lankanfushi and Huvafen Fushi.
Thet Htet Thein, Director of Revenue Strategy
Thet Htet Thein began her work as Patina Maldives’ new Director of Revenue Strategy on 20 September. Hailing from Myanmar, Thet Htet Thein’s last posts were at The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko, the Bulgari Hotel Tokyo, and with Hyatt Regency in Dubai. A strong and accomplished operations professional, she is responsible for customer relations segmentation and revenue strategy.
Yousef Almaryan, Director of Sales Middle East
Yousef Almaryan started his role as Director of Sales Middle East on 1 November 2023. Originally from Jordan, Yousef lives in Dubai and will continue to be based in UAE. Yousef has previously held management roles in UAE and Saudi Arabia with Kempinski, Hilton and Emaar Hospitality Group.
Of the new appointments, General Manager of Patina Maldives, Fari Islands, Antonio Saponara, said: “We are delighted to welcome this amazing team of talented hospitality leaders to the Patina family. Each of them has built illustrious careers and strong experience in their previous work at many different resorts and hotels across the world. We have no doubt that their expertise will ensure the continued success of Patina Maldives, Fari Islands.”
ENDS
ABOUT PATINA MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is the inaugural flagship property from sophisticated new lifestyle brand Patina Hotels & Resorts, the latest hospitality concept by Capella Hotel Group. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, Patina Maldives offers 90 contemporary one- to three-bedroom Beach and Water Pool Villas, alongside 20 Fari Studios, all of which embody a harmony of sanctuary and stimulation. Set in the Fari Islands archipelago in North Malé Atoll, guests can immerse themselves in a new expression of island life through thoughtful tailor-made wellness journeys, interactive music programmes, captivating culinary experiences, and bask in the light-filled Amarta, a James Turrell Skyspace pavilion — all while embracing the vibrant social scene that emanates from the destination’s communal heart: the Fari Marina Village and Fari Beach Club.
ABOUT PATINA HOTELS & RESORTS
Patina Hotels & Resorts is the latest hospitality concept from Capella Hotel Group. Born out of guests’ desire to honour individuality, Patina appeals to a new generation of travellers who seek deeper connections with themselves and the world around them. The human-centred design flows with the natural modes people are in, gently and intuitively providing for each guest’s individual needs, ensuring that no two stays are exactly the same. A five-star, sophisticated lifestyle brand, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands was the first launch, with further properties in Osaka and Sanya also in development. Patina Hotels & Resorts is a member partner of DISCOVERY, a multi-brand loyalty programme representing a collection of 40 independent hotel brands over 100 countries worldwide.
ABOUT FARI ISLANDS
Fari Islands is an elevated Maldivian resort experience that celebrates nature, craft and connection. A Pontiac Land Group development anchored by three world-class hospitality brands, Fari Islands is located in the North Malé Atoll within the Maldives, a 50-minute luxury boat transfer from Malé International Airport. The archipelago also features the picturesque Fari Marina Village, built around a vibrant Beach Club, charming boutiques and a selection of handpicked, upscale food and beverage options. Spaces have been masterfully designed by renowned architects from Studio MK27 (by Marcio Kogan), Kengo Kuma & Associates, and Kerry Hill Architects, to bring about a delicate balance of serene and social. One of the islands is home to a thoughtful hospitality campus; Fari Campus is a dedicated island for staff with a focus on community, education, and engagement, and is the first of its kind in the Maldives.
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