Luxury resort operator Soneva Group opens HQ in Dubai

Luxury hospitality brand Soneva Group, renowned for pioneering barefoot luxury, has opened its global headquarters in Dubai and appointed a new leadership team.

 

The move follows KSL Capital Partners’ acquisition of a majority stake in the group in May 2025, when the firm also appointed Neil Gallagher as CEO.

 

Founded in 1995, Soneva operates three award-winning resorts in the Maldives alongside a luxury yacht. 

 

The group says establishing a base in Dubai, which serves as a strategic hub between east and west, will allow it to deepen relationships with partners, attract talent and strengthen connections with key feeder markets. 

 

Soneva will also maintain its existing corporate office in Bangkok, Thailand.

 

RELATED:

Mandarin Oriental Downtown Dubai reveals leadership team

Agent’s guide to the Maldivian atolls

Introducing the 2025 Cruise Insight Report

 

To support its next phase of growth, the company has made three executive appointments, naming Joanna Flint as Chief Commercial Officer, Chris Whitehouse as Chief Financial Officer, and promoted Abhishek Sharma to Chief Operating Officer. 

 

Flint brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across luxury hospitality and technology, having held senior roles at Mandarin Oriental, Google and Singapore Airlines. 

 

Whitehouse has a track record in luxury real estate and financial strategy, with previous leadership roles atThe Dot Group, Candy & Candy and CPC.

 

Meanwhile, Sharma steps into his new role after more than five years with Soneva, most recently as Group General Manager overseeing all three properties. He brings 25 years of hospitality expertise across the Maldives, India, Egypt and Mauritius.