Soneva Group appoints three key leaders
Soneva Group has appointed three senior executives to its leadership team. Joanna Flint has been appointed as Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Whitehouse as Chief Financial Officer and Abhishek Sharma has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer effective September 2025.
Flint brings over 20 years of leadership experience in the luxury hospitality and technology sectors, including at Mandarin Oriental, Google and Singapore Airlines.
Whitehouse brings deep experience in financial strategy, risk, corporate financing, and asset management, gained from The Dot Group, Candy & Candy, and CPC.
Sharma has over 25 years of experience in luxury hospitality across the Maldives, India, Egypt, and 1Mauritius. In his role as Group General Manager, he has successfully overseen all three Soneva resorts, consistently championing service excellence and crafting extraordinary guest experiences defined by attention to detail.
“We are delighted to welcome Joanna and Chris to the Soneva family and to announce Abhishek’s promotion,” said Neil Gallagher, CEO of Soneva Group.
“Their extensive global experience will be invaluable as we unlock the potential for the Group while maintaining our unwavering commitment to Soneva’s brand values, sustainability and culture.
“The launch of our new global headquarters in Dubai is another significant milestone, placing us at the crossroads of global markets and allowing us to expand our reach and drive sustained, long-term value for the Group.”
Pan Pacific Perth welcomes Director of Commercial
Pan Pacific Perth has appointed former Tourism Commissioner for Western Australia, Karen Priest, as Director of Commercial.
Priest brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across hotels, tourism boards and destination marketing in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and the UK and is highly regarded for shaping effective commercial strategies, building industry partnerships and mentoring future leaders, with recognition including the AHA WA Executive Level Manager Award.
“We’re delighted to welcome Karen to the Pan Pacific Perth team,” said Pan Pacific Perth General Manager, Rens Breur.
“With her extensive experience and profound understanding of the industry, Karen will play a pivotal role in shaping our commercial direction, elevating our market presence, and driving meaningful results for our guests and stakeholders alike.”
“Pan Pacific Perth holds a significant place in the city’s hospitality landscape, and I am thrilled to be joining such a dedicated and passionate team,” said Priest.
“I look forward to building on the hotel’s strong foundations and contributing to its continued growth and success.”
Millennium names new Vice President Operations
Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand has appointed award-winning hospitality leader, Hani Daher, as Vice President Operations, effective November 3.
Daher joins from Travel + Leisure Co. International, where he has overseen a 14-property multi-brand portfolio across Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, and Far North Queensland, including Wyndham Destinations and Accor Vacation Club properties.
Daher brings more than 20 years of international experience across Australia, the Pacific, Middle East, and Africa, having held key roles with IHG Hotels and Resorts, Marriott International, Starwood, Radisson Hotel Group, Stamford Hotels and Resorts and Ramada Resort Port Vila.
“We are excited to welcome Hani to the Millennium team and look forward to the energy, expertise, and strategic vision he will bring as we continue to strengthen our operations and partnerships across out portfolio,” said Millennium Hotels and Resorts New Zealand Managing Director, Stuart Harrison.
Key leadership appointments at Mandarin Oriental
Mandarin Oriental has announced a series of senior appointments. Christian Gradnitzer has been appointed Group Director of Food & Beverage; Raphael Bick joins as Chief Information Officer; Kandé Camara has been appointed Chief of Staff to the CEO and Group Director of Sustainability; and Emlyn Brown joins as Group Director of Spa, Leisure and Wellness.
“We are building a world class leadership team with the expertise and creativity required to shape our future,” said Mandarin Oriental Group Chief Executive, Laurent Kleitman.
“These appointments bring exceptional knowledge and fresh perspective in areas that are fundamental to our growth. Together, they will enable Mandarin Oriental to deliver consistent performance, deepen guest loyalty and strengthen returns across our global portfolio.”
Gradnitzer brings 30 years of international leadership experience having played a pivotal role in establishing Jumeirah Group’s global restaurant division, holding several senior positions with Hilton International and most recently leading Rikas Hospitality Group, the leading operator of restaurants and beach clubs in the Middle East as VP of Business Development and Operations.
Bick brings over two decades of expertise in technology, digital innovation, and AI-driven transformation, following his successful tenure as a Partner and Asia Leader of Technology with McKinsey and Company.
Camara’s career has spanned finance, luxury and hospitality, alongside senior sustainability roles at Kerzner International and Parfums Christian Dior, while Brown brings more than 25 years of international expertise in wellness innovation, most recently serving as Senior Vice President Wellbeing at Accor’s Luxury Division.