Kirsty Danks-Brown has joined Shangri-La Villingili Resort & Spa as the new director of sales and marketing.

With eleven years of experience in luxury hospitality and a proven track record in maximising business opportunities and exceeding profit targets, Danks-Brown’s wealth of knowledge and expertise will be a valuable asset to the Shangri-La brand.

She recently worked in Abu Dhabi as the director of sales and marketing for the first Biltmore Collection Hotel in the Middle East – the Bab Al Qasr Hotel & Residence.

As the pre-opening Director of sales and marketing for the new five-star deluxe luxury brand, Danks-Brown helped to create and launch the hotel’s brand whilst at the helm of an expansive team.

Prior to this, Danks-Brown held an impressive position as area director of sales and marketing at Sofitel Luxury Hotels in Cambodia where she achieved the hotel’s most profitable performance since opening.

“We are excited to welcome Kirsty to the Shangri-La family” said Allwyn Drego, general manager, Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa.

“She will be an integral part of the team and we are confident that she will further elevate the sales and marketing strategy at the resort.

“All of us are looking forward to her leadership and to collaborating with her to achieve outstanding results.”

Located in the Maldives southernmost atoll and only few minutes away from Gan International Airport, the private island resort of Villingili is surrounded by uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, 12 hectares of lush vegetation, three natural lagoons and pristine beaches for guests to explore.