A Strategic Appointment for the Flagship of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS
RAH GILI MALDIVES, the first hotel of the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS group, has announced the appointment of André Kretschmann as General Manager. A seasoned luxury hospitality professional whose career spans Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean, he brings to the island expertise built over more than thirty years working with some of the sector’s most recognised establishments.
His appointment comes as SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, founded by Laith Pharaon, continues to build out its growing collection, of which RAH GILI is the first property to open in South Malé Atoll.
A Career Forged Across Asia, the Middle East and the Indian Ocean
André Kretschmann has held senior leadership positions with a number of prominent hotel groups, including GHM Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and LVMH Hotel Management, where he served as Director of Hotel Openings and later as Area General Manager for Maison Cheval Blanc.
A German national, he trained in hotel management in Heidelberg before beginning his career at properties in Germany and the United Kingdom. He went on to hold a management position at the Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong between 1989 and 1991, before joining GHM in 1995. He has been a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality since 2019.
A Lasting Mark on Maldivian Luxury Hospitality
Among the most notable milestones of his career is the development and opening of Cheval Blanc Randheli, where André Kretschmann oversaw both the pre-opening and post-opening phases on behalf of LVMH Hotel Management. He subsequently led The Chedi Kuda Villingili as General Manager, guiding the property through its own pre-opening and post-opening stages.
Prior to his roles in the Maldives, he held General Manager positions at properties including The Legian Bali, The Chedi Muscat, The Chedi Phuket and Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa. More recently, he has advised hospitality companies on the planning and development of luxury resorts and residences, with a particular focus on the Maldives.
Bodu Edhuru: A Philosophy of Island Leadership
At RAH GILI, André Kretschmann will oversee the island’s entire operation while embodying the spirit of Bodu Edhuru, literally “chief of the Edhurun”: a role built on mentorship, presence and the ability to bring teams together. This approach reflects the philosophy of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, for whom leadership extends beyond operational management to shaping a close-knit island community.
A Roadmap Centred on the Guest Experience
In his new role, André Kretschmann will oversee the full scope of RAH GILI’s operations, from service and dining to wellness, guest experiences and the daily rhythm of island life. His mission will be to bring together the island’s people, places and possibilities seamlessly, in keeping with the spirit of RAH GILI as captured in the brand’s signature line, “Live Your Lifestyle.”
At a Glance
André Kretschmann appointed General Manager of RAH GILI MALDIVES
30+ years of international luxury hospitality experience across Europe, Asia and the Indian Ocean
Former Director for Hotel Openings and Area General Manager, LVMH Hotel Management (Maison Cheval Blanc)
Led the development and opening of Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives
Previously General Manager of The Chedi Kuda Villingili, The Legian Bali, The Chedi Muscat, The Chedi Phuket, Shangri-La’s Boracay
Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality since 2019
RAH GILI is the debut resort of the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS collection, South Malé Atoll
