Doubletree Hilton Seychelles hires first African female resort manager

Doreen D’Souza has become the first Seychellois and African female to be appointed as resort manager of DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles – Allamanda Resort & Spa.

“I am honoured to be entrusted with the position of resort manager at DoubleTree Allamanda, and will ensure that it remains the most hospitable and welcoming resort in the South of Mahe,” said D'Souza.

“I am grateful to the Hilton family for helping me to hone my skills over the years and making me eligible for the role. It is a true privilege to be one of the first Seychellois and African female on the islands to be given a top managerial position in a leading international hotel chain.”

The appointment is a promotion for D'Souza, who had previously held the position of HR & training manager for Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles – Allamanda Resort & Spa.

D'Souza also enjoyed a two-year stint of working in the UAE, as HR & training manager at the Hilton in Abu Dhabi. This latest move is one of the first measures taken by Hilton in the Seychelles to raise the number of women in managerial positions, an initiative resulting from its participation in a 'Women in Leadership' conference held last month.

A Hilton veteran, D'Souza joined Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa in 2006 as training coordinator, and in six months was confirmed as training manager. In 2010, she took up the position of HR & training manager at Hilton Windhoek in Namibia. As part of the opening team of the hotel, D'Souza set up the HR department and trained the heads of departments and all members of staff.

Two years later, Doreen joined Hilton Abu Dhabi in the UAE as HR & training manager. In 2014, she returned to Seychelles as the cluster training manager, responsible for training the teams at all three Hilton properties in the Seychelles. Bringing 27 years of hospitality expertise to her new role, D'Souza will focus on creating experiences for families and groups to enjoy in the resort’s private location.

“Doreen has always been hard working and focused on results, with the impressive ability to support and develop the team. We take pride in the fact that she will be our first Seychellois resort manager, and the first woman in Africa and the Indian Ocean region to get this title and responsibility,” said Gregory Thierion, general manager for Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa and DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles – Allamanda Resort & Spa

Located in Anse Forbans, the DoubleTree Resort & Spa by Hilton Hotel Seychelles – Allamanda has a private beach surrounded by lush tropical foliage.