Sun Siyam Group, one of the Indian Ocean’s premier privately owned hospitality enterprises, has announced the elevation of Deepak Booneady to the position of Group Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2026. This strategic appointment represents a significant milestone in the group’s ongoing evolution, underscoring its commitment to sustained growth, brand excellence, and values-driven leadership across its diverse business portfolio.
Deepak Booneady has been instrumental in Sun Siyam Group’s transformation journey, having previously served with distinction as Chief Executive Officer of Sun Siyam Resorts. During his tenure leading the resort division, he played a crucial role in strengthening brand positioning, refining guest experience philosophies, and spearheading strategic initiatives that honor the group’s island heritage while establishing relevance on the global luxury hospitality stage.
Under his stewardship, Sun Siyam has systematically expanded and refined its portfolio across the Maldives and Sri Lanka, simultaneously elevating international brand visibility and desirability across key global source markets. His leadership approach centers on people, organizational culture, and talent development, with particular emphasis on building and empowering high-performing teams as the cornerstone of sustainable brand growth.
In his expanded role as Group Chief Executive Officer, Deepak assumes comprehensive responsibility for Sun Siyam Group’s diversified portfolio, overseeing strategic growth trajectories, long-term brand development, and the continued evolution of the group’s various business verticals. His mandate encompasses guiding expansion into new hospitality concepts and geographical markets while ensuring each business unit remains firmly aligned with the founding principles of authenticity, integrity, and heartfelt hospitality that define the Sun Siyam identity.
Commenting on the appointment, Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, Chairman and Managing Director, reflected on the values-driven foundation of the organization: “Sun Siyam was built from the heart, on a deep belief in people, purpose, and hospitality guided by love and care. Deepak has been an integral part of our journey, and his leadership has contributed meaningfully to many of the milestones we have achieved together.”
The Chairman further emphasized Deepak’s leadership qualities: “He leads with strategic clarity, integrity, and genuine respect for our people and culture, inspiring excellence and bringing out the very best in teams across our islands to drive shared success. This appointment reflects our continued focus on strong, collaborative leadership and the confidence I place in him. I am proud to see him assume this role and look forward to the collective achievements Sun Siyam Group will continue to reach together.”
Expressing his appreciation and commitment, Deepak Booneady stated: “My heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed for his trust and for the leadership example he continues to set. His clarity of vision, long-term perspective on growth, and the genuine care he demonstrates for our people have profoundly shaped both our organization and my own approach to leadership at Sun Siyam Resorts.”
Reflecting on his professional journey, Deepak added: “My time with Sun Siyam Resorts has been characterized by responsibility, continuous learning, and a deep focus on people and performance. I am grateful for the opportunities, the challenges, and the guidance that have facilitated my growth. This is a business where leadership is demonstrated daily through action, integrity, and accountability.”
Founded by Mr. Ahmed Siyam Mohamed, one of the Maldives’ most respected and visionary entrepreneurs, Sun Siyam Group represents over three decades of hands-on leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the nation’s tourism industry. From its inception, the group has been shaped by deep operational expertise, intuitive understanding of guest experience, and steadfast confidence in Maldivian talent and potential.
Today, Sun Siyam Group stands as one of the Maldives’ leading tourism contributors and major employers, with a diversified portfolio spanning hospitality, travel services, construction, media, and sustainability-focused ventures. This multi-sectoral approach reflects the founder’s entrepreneurial vision and commitment to contributing broadly to the Maldivian economy beyond tourism alone.
Operating primarily across the Maldives and Sri Lanka, Sun Siyam Group maintains global sales and representation offices strategically positioned in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. The group owns and operates a portfolio of distinctive resorts organized across three collections: Luxury, Privé, and Lifestyle—each designed to serve different guest preferences while maintaining consistent quality and service standards.
United by shared purpose, the group continues championing extraordinary guest experiences while remaining deeply rooted in Maldivian heritage, cultural authenticity, and community engagement. This balance between global standards and local character distinguishes Sun Siyam properties in an increasingly competitive luxury resort market.
Deepak’s appointment arrives at a pivotal juncture as Sun Siyam Group pursues several strategic priorities simultaneously. The group is actively premiumizing its brand portfolio, investing in next-generation resort concepts that anticipate evolving traveler preferences, and exploring new opportunities in sustainable and responsible tourism development.
Throughout this evolution, the organization remains committed to preserving the open-hearted spirit and people-first philosophy instilled by its founder—ensuring that growth never comes at the expense of the human values and cultural authenticity that form the foundation of the Sun Siyam experience.
This leadership transition exemplifies successful succession planning in family-founded hospitality enterprises, combining continuity of values with fresh strategic direction. Deepak’s elevation from resort operations to group stewardship reflects recognition of proven performance, cultural alignment, and the capability to guide the organization through its next growth chapter.
For the Indian Ocean hospitality sector, Sun Siyam Group’s continued evolution under expanded leadership signals confidence in the region’s tourism future despite global uncertainties. The group’s multi-faceted approach—balancing luxury positioning with sustainability commitments, international expansion with local heritage preservation, and commercial success with community contribution—offers a compelling model for responsible tourism enterprise in island destinations.
As Deepak Booneady assumes his expanded responsibilities, the global hospitality community will watch with interest how Sun Siyam Group navigates the complex terrain of premiumization, sustainability, and authentic experience creation in one of the world’s most competitive luxury resort markets.
