A significant expansion of the Soneva Group leadership team coincides with the opening of the hospitality firm’s new global headquarters in Dubai.

The company has appointed three senior executives to key leadership roles. Joanna Flint joins as Chief Commercial Officer and Chris Whitehouse as Chief Financial Officer, while Abhishek Sharma has been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer, effective September 2025.

“We are delighted to welcome Joanna and Chris to the Soneva family and to announce Abhishek’s promotion,” Soneva Group CEO Neil Gallagher said. “Their extensive global experience will be invaluable as we unlock the potential for the Group while maintaining our unwavering commitment to Soneva’s brand values, sustainability and culture.”

With more than 25 years of luxury hospitality experience, Sharma has played a key role in overseeing Soneva’s three resorts as Group General Manager.

Flint brings over two decades of experience across luxury hospitality and technology, with past roles at Mandarin Oriental, Google, and Singapore Airlines. In her new role she will seek to grow Soneva’s presence in existing and new markets by accelerating its sales, data, digital and go-to-market capabilities.

Meanwhile, Whitehouse’s experience spans firms such as The Dot Group, Candy & Candy, and CPC. He will be tasked with strengthening Soneva’s financial foundations and supporting its sustainable expansion.

Coinciding with these appointments is the official opening of Soneva’s new global headquarters in Dubai.

“The launch of our new global headquarters in Dubai is another significant milestone, placing us at the crossroads of global markets and allowing us to expand our reach and drive sustained, long-term value for the Group,” Gallagher said.