Hilton Strengthens Leadership Team in the Seychelles

Hilton has taken a significant step to reinforce its leadership team in the Seychelles, a region of growing importance within its global portfolio. With a series of high-profile appointments, the company is poised to elevate its luxury offerings and continue delivering unparalleled guest experiences
Picture of Elizabeth Jenkins-Smalley

Elizabeth Jenkins-Smalley

Editor In Chief at The Executive Magazine

Hilton has strategically enhanced its leadership team in the Seychelles, a critical market for the company, with the appointment of four highly experienced professionals. Hendrick Calles, Henar Gil, Marc Schumacher, and Ryan Roach have been named to key roles within the organisation, each bringing a wealth of expertise to further elevate Hilton’s offerings in this prime destination.

Hendrick Calles: Area General Manager, Seychelles

In his newly expanded role as Area General Manager, Hendrick Calles will now oversee operations across all six Hilton properties in the Seychelles. This comes in addition to his current position as General Manager at Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, a role he has successfully managed for the past two years.

Hendrick’s career with Hilton spans over two decades, during which he has accumulated extensive international experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. His deep understanding of diverse markets, combined with his proven leadership, positions him ideally to guide Hilton’s Seychelles operations.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Hendrick said, “I am delighted to take on an expanded role as Area General Manager in the Seychelles. I look forward to working closely with our leaders, team members, partners, and the local community to continue to uphold Hilton’s reputation for excellent service, while contributing positively to the growth and development of the Seychelles hospitality industry.”

Henar Gil: Cluster General Manager, Mango House Seychelles LXR Hotels & Resorts and Canopy by Hilton Seychelles

Henar Gil joins Hilton as Cluster General Manager, overseeing the operations of Mango House Seychelles and Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, two of the brand’s most prestigious properties in the region. With a career marked by leadership roles in top-tier hotels across Mexico, Henar is particularly skilled in rebranding initiatives and managing complex operational processes.

Her appointment is poised to enhance the guest experience at both properties, which are located just minutes apart in the idyllic south of Mahé. Mango House offers guests a luxurious escape, while Canopy by Hilton Seychelles provides a vibrant, lifestyle-oriented experience. Henar’s leadership is expected to bring a fresh perspective and drive further success for these distinctive properties.

Marc O. Schumacher: General Manager, Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa

Marc Schumacher takes the helm as General Manager at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa, bringing with him an extensive 26-year career with Hilton. His experience spans numerous countries including Italy, Greece, Germany, Egypt, South Africa, Turkiye, and Morocco.

This appointment marks Marc’s return to the Seychelles, where he previously served as General Manager at both Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort and Spa. His deep familiarity with the local market and proven leadership skills are expected to further enhance the resort’s reputation as a premier destination.

Ryan Roach: Country Commercial Director

Ryan Roach steps into the role of Country Commercial Director, where he will be responsible for overseeing Hilton’s commercial activities across its Seychelles properties. This includes managing sales, marketing, and reservations to ensure sustained growth and market leadership.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Ryan brings a passion for hospitality that began in his early years and was further refined at the Cape Town Hotel School. His career has seen him excel in revenue management roles in both the UK and South Africa. Most recently, he served as Commercial Director at a South African hotel group, where he successfully managed revenue strategies across 23 properties. His expertise will be instrumental in driving Hilton’s commercial strategy in the Seychelles.

Strategic Vision for the Seychelles

Hilton currently operates six properties in the Seychelles, including the newly opened Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island, Mango House Seychelles LXR Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton Seychelles, Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa, DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles – Allamanda Resort and Spa, and Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa. These new leadership appointments underline Hilton’s commitment to maintaining and expanding its presence in this vital market.

Andreas Lackner, Vice President, Operations, Africa & Indian Ocean, Hilton, noted, “I am delighted to welcome Hendrick, Henar, Marc and Ryan to their new roles. The Seychelles is a key destination where we operate six hotels across five brands—including the recently opened Waldorf Astoria and Canopy by Hilton. With exciting new openings and the appointment of these accomplished leaders, we are well placed to continue to deliver exceptional guest experiences in the Seychelles.”

These appointments signify Hilton’s strategic focus on the Seychelles, ensuring that its properties remain at the forefront of luxury and hospitality in this highly competitive market.

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