RAH GILI MALDIVES: André Kretschmann Is the New General Manager

The German hotelier brings more than three decades of experience in the international luxury hotel industry, and he is familiar with the Maldives from his work during the opening phases of major resorts.

New Leader at RAH GILI MALDIVES: André Kretschmann has been appointed General Manager and will oversee operations on the island, the first in the SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS collection. The German hotelier’s career has taken him throughout Europe, Asia, and the Indian Ocean, including senior positions at GHM Hotels & Resorts, Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, and LVMH Hotel Management. There, he served as Director of Hotel Openings and Area General Manager for Maison Cheval Blanc. He is no stranger to the Maldives. For LVMH Hotel Management, he oversaw the pre- and post-opening phases of Cheval Blanc Randheli, and subsequently guided The Chedi Kuda Villingili through the same phases as General Manager. Most recently, he advised hospitality companies on the planning of luxury resorts and residences, with a particular focus on the Maldives. Prior to that, he served as General Manager at properties including 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.

At RAH GILI, Kretschmann also embodies the spirit of Bodu Edhuru. This role represents mentorship, presence, and the ability to bring people together. Here, leadership extends beyond operations; it is about fostering a connected island community. Laith Pharaon, co-founder and CEO of SIX & SIX PRIVATE ISLANDS, comments: “His experience speaks for itself—but what matters most to us is the way he leads: with high standards, character, and a genuine commitment to his team.” Kretschmann himself sees it similarly: “For me, people have always come first in the hospitality industry—and that’s exactly what makes RAH GILI such an exciting place, which I am now privileged to call home.” His remit encompasses service and dining, wellness and experiences, and the very rhythm of daily island life. Ultimately, every element must coalesce seamlessly, personally, and authentically—in keeping with the RAH GILI spirit: Live Your Lifestyle. RAH GILI MALDIVES