Global luxury hospitality company Jumeirah Group has promoted Chris Ely to the role of General Manager for the five-star Jumeirah Dhevanafushi resort in the Maldives.

In his new role, Chris will lead the team as they continue to build on the success and reputation of Jumeirah Dhevanafushi, which opened in 2011, and is one of two Jumeirah Maldives hotels.

Chris, a British national, joined Jumeirah in 2005 working in Sports & Leisure for various hotels and resorts in Dubai. In 2007, he was promoted to a Director’s role with Jumeirah’s Development team, working on several projects in Dubai. Then, in 2010, he was the first Jumeirah colleague to join the pre-opening team of Jumeirah Dhevanafushi as Director of Operations, overseeing Rooms, Food & Beverage, Spa, Engineering and Housekeeping.

Prior to joining Jumeirah Group, Chris worked as manager for two private health clubs in London (UK), Virgin Active and Holmes Place. He holds a degree in Leisure Management from the University of Manchester.

Jumeirah Dhevanafushi is located in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll of the Maldives, 400 km south of the capital city of Malé. Spread over two islands, the Jumeirah Dhevanafushi resort counts 22 private villas enjoying the rich flora of the main island, and 16 water villas, each with its own private deck and direct access into the ocean.