Sri Lanka’s Iconic Galle Face Hotel Is Picking Up The Pace With A Mix Of Local And International Appointments

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - The Galle Face Hotel, opened in 1864 and one of the oldest hotels east of Suez, is gearing up for a strong future with the announcement of key appointments.

"This is such an exciting time, both in the country and in the hotel. Lonely Planet has rated Sri Lanka the "Top Country for Travel in 2019", meaning a new era of growth for the destination. We want to ensure we have the team to take the hotel on that journey, creating new and authentic experiences for our guests in the years to come," said Galle Face Hotel Chairman, Sanjeev Gardiner, the hotel's owner.

The new team have a combined total of 100 years of local and international experience in hospitality - experience they are now bringing to the Galle Face Hotel.

Mubarak Gaffoor (image far left) the hotel's new Resident Manager, overseeing operational departments including the rooms division and food & beverage. After many years in the UK, "Muba" has been a part of the Galle Face Hotel family since 2014 when he joined as a Director of Sales, and later promoted to the role of Director of Group Sales & Marketing.

Narelle McDougall (image second left) is the new Head of Sales & Marketing for the Galle Face Hotel and Ceylon Hotel Corporation (CHC), overseeing sales and marketing, revenue and reservations, catering sales and public relations. Narelle has many years' experience in the region including Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and the Maldives with leading brands such as InterContinental, Le Méridien and Anantara.

Chef Saman Jayawardene (image centre) is now Corporate Chef of Sri Lankan Cuisine for the Ceylon Hotel Group and EKHO Hotels. An acclaimed Sri Lankan chef with almost 30 years' experience, he moves from Executive Chef at the Galle Face Hotel having previously worked with leading hotels across Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives.

Nalaka Dissanayake (image second right) has come on board as Cluster Director of Human Resources, with a responsibility for identifying and nurturing talent for the Galle Face Hotel and Ceylon Hotel Group. Nalaka has worked with major brands in the Middle East, the Maldives and Sri Lanka, including Radisson Blu, Millennium and Copthorne, and Habtoor, a leading Emirati hotel group.

Jay Kay Govind (image far right) joins as the Galle Face Hotel's new Executive Chef, on board and excited to create culinary experiences for guests and events. Chef Jay is an award-winning chef with a career spanning 25 years in five different countries. Prior to joining the Galle Face Hotel, he worked for top hotel brands including JW Marriott, Anantara, Banyan Tree and InterContinental.

"Although from different disciplines, our new team members are leaders in their fields and dedicated to success. I am personally excited to have them on board and look forward to creating new experiences together in this incredible destination," said Robert C. Hauck, the hotel's General Manager and Area Vice President.

About Galle Face Hotel

Celebrities and royalty from around the world have graced the corridors and celebrated on the hotel's dance floors with a list of luminaries lining the walls in testament to their visits. Many legends have been created from within too, such as the world's most famous doorman Kottarapattu Chattu Kuttan, who worked with Galle Face Hotel for 72 years. Now the new executives have a chance to make history of their own.

For generations, guests have been captivated by the Galle Face Hotel's nostalgic charm, rich heritage and impeccable service. This landmark Colombo property has also developed a well-deserved reputation for employing legendary staff. With these five new executives now in place, the Galle Face Hotel is about to embark on one of the most exciting periods in its 155-year history.

Shalini Perera
Associate Director of Public Relations
+94 773 634 907
Galle Face Hotel