RIU Hotels & Resorts Announces the Appointment of Janitha Madawala as Assistant General Manager – East Africa

RIU Hotels & Resorts is pleased to announce the appointment of Janitha Madawala as Assistant General Manager for its East Africa operations.

With an accomplished international hospitality career spanning over two decades, Janitha brings extensive leadership experience across luxury hotels, resorts, and cruise operations throughout Asia, the Middle East, North America, the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and Africa. His appointment reflects RIU Hotels & Resorts' commitment to strengthening operational excellence, guest satisfaction, and people development across the region.

Throughout his distinguished career, Janitha has held senior leadership positions with some of the hospitality industry's most respected brands and organizations. His professional journey includes key roles with Hilton, Galle Face Hotel, Grand Oriental Hotel, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Southern Sun Hotels, Ramada Jumeirah, Premier Inn Hotels, Carnival Cruise Line, IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Sunrise Resorts & Cruises.

A recognized leader in Food & Beverage and hotel operations, Janitha has successfully led large-scale hotel openings, operational transformations, service excellence initiatives, and commercial performance improvements across diverse international markets. His experience ranges from luxury resorts in the Maldives and Egypt to major hotel operations in the Middle East and Fiji, as well as complex cruise ship operations with Carnival Cruise Line.

Most recently, Janitha served as Cluster & Senior Director of Food & Beverage for Sunrise Resorts & Cruises in Egypt, overseeing multiple award-winning properties and leading strategic initiatives focused on guest experience, operational performance, and talent development. Prior to this, he was part of the pre-opening leadership team at Crowne Plaza Fiji as Director of Food & Beverage, where he played a pivotal role in establishing operational standards and delivering a successful resort launch.

In his new role with RIU Hotels & Resorts, Janitha will support the strategic and operational leadership of the company's East African portfolio, with a strong focus on enhancing guest experiences, driving financial performance, strengthening team engagement, and maintaining the highest standards of hospitality excellence.

Commenting on his appointment, Janitha said:

"I am honored to join RIU Hotels & Resorts and excited to be part of a globally respected hospitality brand. East Africa is a dynamic and rapidly growing tourism destination, and I look forward to working alongside our talented teams to deliver exceptional guest experiences, develop future hospitality leaders, and contribute to the continued success and growth of the organization."

RIU Hotels & Resorts warmly welcomes Janitha to the leadership team and looks forward to the expertise, passion, and vision he brings to the organization as it continues to strengthen its presence and reputation across East Africa.

Please join us in congratulating Janitha Madawala on his new appointment and wishing him continued success in this exciting new chapter of his hospitality journey."