Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi, the epitome of luxury in the Maldives and leader of unparalleled bespoke service, is delighted to announce the appointment of TJ Joulak as General Manager. A veteran in luxury hospitality, Joulak has over 25 years of experience in the industry and worked across markets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.  

Having helmed various luxury portfolios in the Shangri-La Group, Joulak has strong operational and strategy skills, and is well-versed at providing memorable experiences for guests. Fluent in English, Arabic, French, Italian and Spanish, his multilingual abilities set him apart and will enable him to establish meaningful relationships with guests to provide a highly personal approach to service that encompasses all nationalities and backgrounds.  

As a hands-on and energetic leader, Joulak is perfectly placed to take the helm at the property and lead it into the future, thanks to his unique ability to translate the brand's strategy into service elements. This coupled with his impressive record of excellence, demonstrated by the accolades he has received in recent years, including Best General Manager Europe 2022 and 2023, will lead Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi to new heights of personalised customer satisfaction. 

Joulak received the Lifetime Julian Star Award in 2022 and was named among the 100 Most Inspirational People in  Global Hospitality & Travel 2023 by the International Hospitality Institute, exemplifying his commitment to operational excellence which will be integral to his new role at Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi.  

Commenting on his appointment, TJ Joulak says: “I am thrilled and honoured to join the exceptional team at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. The Maldives has long captivated visitors with its enchanting natural setting,  and the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi complements this with its commitment to deliver unparalleled personalised experience for every guest. I am excited to continue building upon this legacy, and together with the talented staff, elevate the property to new heights and set new standards in the world of luxury hospitality." 

For more information, visit: www.waldorfastoriamaldives.com 

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About Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi 

Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi encompasses 119 beach, reef and overwater villas with private pools across  three islands, including the 350,000 square-foot Ithaafushi Private Island, the largest of its kind in the Maldives. A  distinct dining experience awaits discovery in 11 uniquely positioned restaurants and bars, including the world renowned Japanese concept Zuma. The resort is also home to the Maldives' first Aqua Wellness Centre, fitness  centre, children's club, watersports, diving centre, and a fleet of yachts for private transfers to and from Malé  International Airport, creating an exclusive experience that is not replicated anywhere else in the Maldives.  

About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts 

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a portfolio of 26 iconic properties in the world's most sought-after destinations.  Unified by their inspirational environments and True Waldorf Service, Waldorf Astoria hotels deliver unparalleled,  bespoke service from the moment a guest books through check out. Waldorf Astoria is a part of Hilton, a leading  global hospitality company. Experience Waldorf Astoria by booking at www.waldorfastoria.com. Learn about the brand by visiting http://news.waldorfastoria.com or following the brand  on X, Instagram, and Facebook. 

About Hilton  

Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, with a portfolio of 14 world-class brands comprising more  than 4,900 properties with over 800,000 rooms in 104 countries and territories. Hilton is dedicated to fulfilling its  mission to be the world's most hospitable company by delivering exceptional experiences – every hotel, every guest,  every time. The company's portfolio includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels  & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Curio - A Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton,  Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2  Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program,  Hilton Honors. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant  benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose exactly how many Points to combine with  cash, an exclusive member discount that can't be found anywhere else and free standard Wi Fi. Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information and connect with Hilton  on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.