Soneva has bolstered its global leadership with three senior appointments and has launched a new headquarters in Dubai to spearhead its expansion into ultra-luxury hospitality. The move signifies Soneva’s commitment to strategic growth and its intention to capitalize on Dubai’s emerging role as a global luxury hospitality hub. These appointments coincide with the opening of Soneva’s new global headquarters in Dubai. Strategically located at the crossroads of East and West, the Dubai office will provide opportunities to build stronger relationships with industry partners, attract global talent, and engage key feeder markets.
Soneva Group, the award-winning luxury resort and hospitality brand, has announced a strategic expansion of its executive leadership team alongside the inauguration of its global headquarters in Dubai, underscoring the company’s ambition to strengthen its international footprint.
Effective September 2025, the group has appointed Joanna Flint as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), Chris Whitehouse as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), and promoted Abhishek Sharma to Chief Operating Officer (COO). These leadership enhancements aim to fortify Soneva’s commercial, operational, and financial capabilities across existing resorts and emerging markets.
Leadership Appointments
Joanna Flint, a seasoned professional with more than 20 years of experience in luxury hospitality and technology, joins Soneva from distinguished roles at Mandarin Oriental, Google, and Singapore Airlines. As CCO, she will spearhead the group’s global commercial strategy, driving sales growth, digital innovation, data-driven marketing, and market expansion initiatives, while enhancing the brand’s luxury guest experience worldwide.
Chris Whitehouse, appointed as CFO, brings extensive expertise in financial strategy, corporate finance, risk management, and asset oversight from tenures at The Dot Group, Candy & Candy, and CPC. In this role, Whitehouse will strengthen Soneva’s financial architecture, supporting sustainable growth and long-term operational stability.
Abhishek Sharma, elevated to COO from his position as Group General Manager, brings over 25 years of luxury hospitality experience spanning the Maldives, India, Egypt, and Mauritius. Sharma has successfully overseen operations across all three Soneva resorts, consistently delivering operational excellence and exceptional guest experiences. In his new role, he will continue to champion Soneva’s standards of service, sustainability, and bespoke luxury offerings.
Dubai Headquarters: Strategic Global Hub
The opening of Soneva’s Dubai headquarters reinforces the group’s commitment to international growth. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of East and West, the hub enables closer collaboration with industry partners, access to global talent, and enhanced engagement with key feeder markets.
Neil Gallagher, CEO of Soneva Group, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Joanna and Chris to the Soneva family and to announce Abhishek’s well-deserved promotion. Their global expertise will be pivotal as we continue to grow and innovate, while remaining steadfast in our brand values, sustainability commitments, and culture. Our new headquarters in Dubai marks a milestone, placing Soneva at the heart of international markets and allowing us to expand our reach and deliver long-term value.”
Strengthening Soneva’s Global Footprint
With these strategic appointments and the Dubai headquarters, Soneva is well-positioned to advance its mission of delivering unparalleled luxury experiences while expanding its presence in key global markets. The move highlights the group’s dedication to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth, reinforcing its status as a leader in luxury resort hospitality.
IN Brief
Details of the Announcement
- Leadership Expansion:Soneva Group has brought in three new senior executives to strengthen its global leadership team.
- Dubai Headquarters:The ultra-luxury hospitality brand has established a new headquarters in Dubai to guide its future expansion efforts.
- Strategic Focus:The appointments and new headquarters are designed to support Soneva’s growth strategy and drive its expansion in the ultra-luxury hospitality sector.
Significance of the Move
- Strategic Growth:This initiative reflects Soneva’s commitment to significant expansion and reinforces its position in the ultra-luxury market.
- Dubai as a Hub:The choice of Dubai as the new headquarters positions Soneva to take advantage of the city’s growing status as a center for global luxury hospitality and tourism.
- Industry Expertise:The new appointments bring added expertise to the leadership team, helping to guide Soneva through its next phase of development and innovation in the luxury hospitality sector.
