Gili Lankanfushi has appointed David Stepetic to the role of general manager.

Over the past five years, the resort has set the benchmark for barefoot and understated luxury in the Maldives, with 45 sophisticated over-water villas and a serious commitment to sustainability.

Stepetic joins Gili Lankanfushi from Jumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives, where he held the position of general manager for three years.

Within the role, he became an expert on the country and brings with him an abundance of local knowledge to make sure that Gili Lankanfushi will always be an island that stands apart, offering its guests a truly authentic and intimate experience.

Prior to that, he was the general manager of Laucala Island Resort, an exclusive 25 room resort in Fiji.

Stephen Lau, chairman of HPL Hotels & Resorts said: “We are very excited for David to be joining the Gili Lankanfushi family.

“He brings with him a wealth of experience both from his early years with Four Seasons, a brand synonymous with seamless service and refined hospitality, and his many years as a general manager of island resort properties.

“David understands, more than most, the importance of a personal and inclusive approach while making sure guests are enjoying nothing but unrivalled privacy, in the beautiful settings of our secluded island sanctuary.”

A US-national, Stepetic has more than 25 years of luxury hospitality management experience, and spent 19 of those years with the Four Seasons Hotels in various food and beverage and senior management capacities.

“Gili Lankanfushi is a name that is renowned the world over for its passionate approach to creating a guest experience that goes beyond just luxury accommodation and a beautiful beach.

“I truly believe it is an island for all the senses and I am looking forward to working with the team to keep developing unforgettable and bespoke experiences for both our new and longstanding guests” said Stepetic.