Vakkaru Maldives announces the appointment of Sandeep Thekkil as the resort’s new Director of Revenue and Reservations and Janne A. Ollikainen as its new Executive Chef.
With over 20 years of experience in revenue management, sales, and hotel operations across some of the Maldives, GCC, and India’s leading luxury properties, Sandeep brings a strong commercial mindset and a proven track record in driving strategic revenue growth.
His career includes leadership roles at The Regency Hotel Kuwait, Velaa Private Island Maldives, Hilton Maldives IruFushi Resort & Spa, and Accor Qatar, where he was instrumental in optimising revenue streams, refining pricing strategies, and enhancing booking experiences.
“Sandeep joins us at a pivotal time as we continue to fine-tune our revenue strategies and enhance guest experiences at Vakkaru Maldives,” said Teddy Susanto Wiryawan, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives. “His proven ability to drive commercial growth, optimise revenue channels, and implement forward-thinking strategies will be instrumental in strengthening our market position. We look forward to the expertise and fresh perspective he brings to the team.”
In his new role, Sandeep will oversee all aspects of revenue management and reservations, ensuring that Vakkaru Maldives maximises its revenue potential while maintaining a seamless and elevated guest booking experience. His expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning will play a key role in positioning the resort for sustained success in an increasingly competitive luxury market.
“I am excited to be joining Vakkaru Maldives and contributing to its reputation as one of the finest luxury resorts in the Maldives,” said Sandeep Thekkil. “Revenue management is not just about numbers, but creating the right opportunities for growth while ensuring that every guest has a seamless and rewarding experience. I look forward to working with the team to drive performance and enhance the resort’s commercial success.”
Janne A. Ollikainen brings more than two decades of international experience in Asia and Scandinavia to Vakkaru Maldives.
A highly accomplished and visionary chef, Chef Janne is known for his commitment to culinary innovation, sustainability, and wellness-driven gastronomy. His expertise spans modern techniques, local ingredient sourcing, and team mentorship, ensuring every dish is an experience.
“We are delighted to welcome Chef Janne to the Vakkaru family,” said Teddy Susanto Wiryawan, General Manager, Vakkaru Maldives. His exceptional talent, global experience, and deep understanding of sustainability in gastronomy make him the perfect fit for our resort. We are confident that our culinary offerings will continue to evolve under his leadership, creating extraordinary dining experiences for our guests.”
Before joining Vakkaru Maldives, Chef Janne held executive roles at renowned properties, including Mercure Danang French Village, Kurumba Maldives, and JW Marriott Thailand, where he drove F&B excellence, secured top industry awards, and significantly enhanced guest dining experiences. His leadership has played a pivotal role in achieving prestigious recognitions, such as Luxury Theme Restaurant – Continent Winner (2018) and Indian Ocean’s Leading Family Resort (2020).
At Vakkaru Maldives, Chef Janne will curate a world-class dining experience, blending authentic Maldivian flavours with global influences. His passion for sustainability aligns with the resort’s ethos, incorporating locally sourced ingredients and eco-conscious practices to redefine luxury dining in the Maldives.
Commenting on his new role, Chef Janne added: “I am thrilled to join Vakkaru Maldives and contribute to its extraordinary culinary landscape. My vision is to create memorable dining experiences that not only delight the senses but also celebrate the rich culinary heritage of the Maldives. I look forward to working with the talented team at Vakkaru to bring our shared vision to life.”
In his new role, Chef Janne will oversee all culinary operations at Vakkaru Maldives, from menu development to staff training, ensuring that every dining experience reflects the resort’s commitment to excellence.
For more information about Vakkaru Maldives or to make a reservation, visit vakkarumaldives.com or contact reservations@vakkarumaldives.com.
