Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has celebrated the graduation of seven associates from Marriott International’s Kurimagu Leadership Programme, reinforcing the resort’s commitment to developing skilled Maldivian professionals and preparing local talent for future leadership positions within the hospitality industry.
The graduates represented several key operational and administrative departments, including Finance, Food and Beverage, Human Resources, Engineering and Housekeeping. They completed an intensive 12-month leadership development programme designed to strengthen their professional knowledge, management capabilities, confidence and practical experience, enabling them to assume positions of greater responsibility across the hospitality sector.
The graduation ceremony was attended by a delegation of senior Marriott International leaders from the Asia Pacific excluding China region, reflecting the company’s continued investment in workforce development and career advancement in the Maldives. Attendees included Silvio Rosenberger, Vice President of Operations for APEC and Market Vice President for the Maldives, and Mark Fletcher, Senior Director of Human Resources Operations, together with other regional leaders.
Their participation highlighted the importance Marriott International places on cultivating Maldivian leadership talent and establishing structured career pathways for employees working across its properties. The programme also supports the wider development of the Maldives’ tourism workforce by equipping local professionals with internationally recognised leadership competencies and practical industry experience.
Developed specifically for the Maldives market, Kurimagu is Marriott International’s flagship leadership development initiative for high-potential Maldivian associates. The year-long curriculum combines face-to-face and virtual learning sessions, mentorship, practical business projects, cross-property exposure and engagement with senior executives.
The programme is guided by Marriott International’s Leadership Essentials of being curious, courageous and connected. Participants are encouraged to explore new ideas, respond confidently to workplace challenges, collaborate across departments and properties, and develop a broader understanding of hotel and resort operations.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has steadily increased its participation in the programme since joining its inaugural cohort. The resort supported four graduates in Cohort I and seven graduates in Cohort II, while 12 associates are currently enrolled in Cohort III, representing the resort’s largest participating group to date.
The resort has now produced a total of 11 Kurimagu graduates, with 10 continuing to develop their careers at Sheraton Maldives. This strong retention rate reflects the programme’s contribution to employee engagement, professional advancement and the development of a sustainable internal leadership pipeline.
One of the notable success stories from the latest cohort is Abdulla Sihaan, who advanced from Assistant Human Resources Manager to Human Resources Manager following his participation in Cohort II. His progression demonstrates how structured leadership development, mentoring and practical exposure can support associates in preparing for more senior managerial responsibilities.
A central component of this year’s programme was the opportunity for participants to gain cross-exposure at different Marriott International properties in the Maldives. Through these placements, the associates experienced varied operational environments, observed different leadership approaches and gained insights into established practices across multiple departments and resort settings.
The cross-property experience also encouraged participants to exchange knowledge, strengthen professional networks and develop a more comprehensive understanding of the hospitality business. They returned to their respective departments with broader perspectives, practical ideas and enhanced capabilities that can contribute to service quality, operational efficiency and team development.
Located on the private island of Furanafushi in North Malé Atoll, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is positioned within convenient reach of Velana International Airport while offering guests a complete island resort experience. The property combines tropical surroundings with a wide range of accommodation, dining, recreation, wellness and event facilities, serving leisure travellers, families, couples and groups from international markets.
The resort’s continued investment in Maldivian talent complements its focus on delivering internationally recognised hospitality while maintaining a strong connection to the local workforce and community. By developing associates from operational and administrative departments, Sheraton Maldives is strengthening its ability to retain institutional knowledge, support succession planning and provide employees with clear opportunities for professional advancement.
Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, described Kurimagu as an important investment in the future of the country’s hospitality industry.
“Kurimagu is more than a leadership development programme. It is an investment in the future of Maldivian hospitality,” Allan said. “Watching our associates grow in confidence, embrace new challenges and step into stronger leadership roles is incredibly rewarding. By developing our own talent, we are creating meaningful career pathways while contributing to a stronger and more sustainable future for our people, our resort and the hospitality industry in the Maldives.”
As the resort welcomes a new cohort of aspiring leaders, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa remains focused on creating opportunities for continuous learning, professional development and career progression. Through its participation in the Kurimagu Leadership Programme, the resort aims to empower more Maldivians to take an active role in shaping the future leadership of the country’s globally recognised hospitality industry.
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