Gili Lankanfushi has appointed David Stepetic as its new General Manager.

An American national, David joins Gili Lankanfushi from Jumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives, where he held the position of General Manager for three years. Prior to that, he served as the General Manager of Laucala Island Resort, an exclusive 25-room resort in Fiji.

In an announcement, Gili Lankanfushi said David has more than 25 years of luxury hospitality management experience, and spent 19 of those years with the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in various Food and Beverage and senior management capacities. His experience has taken him from roles in America and Asia, to the South Pacific and the Indian Ocean, it added.

According to the resort, David is an avid naturalist and feels most at home in an island setting. He has a keen interest in ornithology and looks forward to getting to know the island’s wildlife and further developing the recently unveiled marine biology centre Gili Veshi, it said.

“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,” David was quoted in the announcement, as saying.

Stephen Lau, Chairman of property owner HPL Hotels and 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.”

Set on the private island of Lankanfushi in the North Male Atoll, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives is an intimate coral island in a sparkling lagoon, with jetties threading across the water out to spacious villa accommodations, where ultimate privacy can be found. This luxury resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the main Velana International Airport.

At Gili Lankanfushi, an idyllic personal hideaway is one of 45 spacious, rustic overwater villas crafted from natural wood and glass. A palette of sparkling blues paints the horizon, the ocean stretching to infinity wherever on the island. The open design, with indoor and outdoor living space, allows guests the freedom to be themselves, the sound of the sea and warm breeze soothing all senses.