Riaan Sinclair-Drever is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 25 years of global experience in the hotel and resort industry, including more than a decade in senior leadership roles. Currently, he serves as the Cluster General Manager at Pullman Maldives Maamutaa and Mercure Maldives Kooddoo, two premier properties nestled in the pristine Southern Atolls of the Maldives. Under his leadership, these resorts have become celebrated destinations, combining breathtaking natural beauty with exceptional guest experiences.
Riaan’s illustrious career spans a diverse portfolio of prestigious international brands and properties—including Accor’s Pullman and Mercure, Minor Hotels’ Avani+ Fares Maldives, Jumeirah Vittaveli, HPL’s iconic Gili Lankanfushi, the Orient Express Westcliff in Johannesburg (now Four Seasons Westcliff), and the Fairmont Zanzibar. His expertise extends to successful resort openings, repositioning projects, concept development, and operational excellence across regions such as the United States, South Africa, Zanzibar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
His leadership style focuses on building high-performing teams and driving commercial and destination strategies that enhance both brand presence and guest loyalty. Renowned for his collaborative approach and high emotional intelligence, Riaan inspires colleagues and partners alike, fostering meaningful relationships and delivering outstanding results in the luxury hospitality sector.
Recognition of Riaan’s impact is reflected in the accolades enjoyed by the properties he manages and his personal honors. Most notably, he was named Asia’s Most Influential General Manager by CMO Asia at their 16th annual awards ceremony held in Singapore in 2025, highlighting his commitment to innovation, sustainability, and elevating guest experiences. Additionally, under his leadership, Pullman Maldives All-Inclusive Resort was awarded Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resort in the Maldives 2025 by Luxury Lifestyle Awards.
Passionate about sustainability and guest-centric innovation, Riaan continues to drive forward-thinking initiatives that balance ecological stewardship with exceptional hospitality. His strategic vision and hands-on leadership remain pivotal in shaping extraordinary experiences that define luxury travel in the Maldives and beyond.
We celebrate Riaan Sinclair-Drever’s extraordinary career and his dedication to raising the standard of luxury hospitality through innovation, sustainability, and impeccable service. His work inspires the industry to reach new heights and exemplifies the spirit of modern hospitality leadership.