Salil Panigrahi is a visionary leader and the driving force behind ATMOSPHERE CORE. He founded the company in 2013, guided by a singular philosophy, the Joy of Giving. With a clear focus on value-driven hospitality, he set out to create resorts that deliver exceptional experiences in some of the world’s most stunning destinations, starting with the Maldives.
Under his leadership, ATMOSPHERE CORE has grown into a globally recognised hospitality group, with a strong presence across the Maldives and a strategic expansion underway in South Asia and Europe. The company’s portfolio includes acclaimed brands such as THE OZEN COLLECTION, COLOURS OF OBLU, and By Atmosphere.
Salil’s hands-on leadership and deep industry insight have shaped the group’s growth, brand innovation, and operational excellence. In 2021, he was honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the Government of India, recognising his outstanding contribution to the development of tourism in the Maldives.
With nearly 25 years of experience in the hospitality sector, two decades of which have been grounded in the Maldives, Salil’s expertise spans brand creation, resort development, financial structuring, and day-to-day operations. He has also played a key role in the broader investment landscape, helping to introduce several international financial institutions to the Maldives.
Before his role at ATMOSPHERE CORE Salil also served as Founder Partner, Director, and Chief Operating Officer of EoN Resorts Group, where he has played a central role in the development of multiple award-winning resorts.
A chartered accountant by qualification, Salil blends financial acumen with a passion for creating meaningful guest experiences, a combination that has shaped the company’s identity and success.
Souvagya Mohapatra has over 30 years of experience. His illustrious career began at The Oberoi Group, following which he spent most of his professional career with MAYFAIR Hotels & Resorts. Souvagya has contributed to the industry through his involvement in reputed organizations and national associations such as the Federation of Hotel and Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI).
A regular power List by Hotelier India, he was also conferred with the prestigious ‘Honorary Diploma for Outstanding Contribution and Excellence in Tourism & Hospitality’ by the World Congress of Poets (WCP) under the auspices of the World Academy of Arts & Culture (WAAC) in 2019.
Shrikant drives the growth of ATMOSPHERE CORE in existing and new markets including India, India, Italy, and Africa. With a keen eye for dynamic and consistent growth, Shrikant ensures success for the company portfolio by establishing strong relations with private and institutional investors, shaping robust growth strategies, and ensuring their successful execution.
Shrikant started his career with HSBC and then created a start-up in the technology world. Having sold the start-up, he engaged in project management of resort development in the Maldives and was then engaged in managing investments, both debt and equity, for the development groups, opening 5 resorts in 5 years.
He brings a strong entrepreneurial acumen, project development expertise and skill at driving business through strategic initiatives. Over the last decade, he raised more than US$ 200 million in equity, even as the company battled through the financial crisis of 2008. Shrikant works closely with and supports Salil Panigrahi on business development. He is focused on expanding the company portfolio and establishing and driving AH&R's growth and expansion over the coming years.
Shrikant holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, and a Master's in Business Administration from XLRI Jamshedpur, both premier institutes in India.
Dillip RathaDeputy Managing Director - Finance & Treasury
Dillip Ratha leads the company’s operational finance, project finance, and asset management, supporting its overall growth, profitability, and performance. With expertise in a range of jurisdictions around the world, including India, Africa, and the Maldives, Dilip brings with him strong discipline and financial methodology and a keen understanding of institutional best practices.
Dillip has been instrumental in managing the cost efficiencies across resort operations, maintaining the group's financial strength and liquidity steadfastly through the most challenging of times. He ensures that costs remain within industry-accepted metrics while constantly inspiring business heads to strategically achieve greater financial efficiencies.
An experienced growth leader, hotelier, and management expert, Stephane Laguette brings over three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. Stephane’s key strengths include a result-oriented approach, a keen eye for innovation, and a passion for growth.
Years of diverse roles and portfolios, including a decade of experience with the Accor group, have helped hone Stephane’s impeccable sales and marketing skills. A global citizen, Stephane has gained profound experience from living and working in different countries and from exposure to diverse cultures, which has provided him with opportunities to solve multiple problems and develop comprehensive strategies.
As the Chief Commercial Officer, Stephane is responsible for driving the company's commercial strategies, enhancing brand presence, and ensuring profitability across all properties. His extensive international experience and deep understanding of market dynamics make him a valuable asset to the ATMOSPHERE CORE leadership team.
With extensive experience in hospitality operations, Ashwin Handa leads the operational teams at ATMOSPHERE CORE, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and seamless efficiency across all properties.
With over 26 years in the industry, his well-honed business acumen coupled with a results-driven, hands-on leadership approach has led to an impressive track record of boosting both guest experience and profitability.
Meet Our Management Team
Abhijit Kumar Ghosh
Senior Vice President - Creative and Quality Assurance
Abhijit Kumar Ghosh Senior Vice President - Creative and Quality Assurance
No stranger to the Maldives, Abhijeet previously managed international resorts in different capacities. With over 20 years of experience in the luxury hospitality and wellness industry, he has played a key role in the development and management of renowned luxury hotels and resorts including Six Senses, Hilton, Soneva, Taj and Oberoi. His expertise extends to leading multicultural teams across Jordan, Thailand, India, and Vietnam.
Abhishek Singh Negi
Senior Vice President - Operations Middle East & Africa
Abhishek Singh NegiSenior Vice President - Operations Middle East & Africa
Abhishek, a hotel school graduate, brings over 25 years of experience to ATMOSPHERE CORE, and has managed prime assignments with reputed properties like Leela Kempinski (Bangalore), Rotana (UAE), Grosvenor House (Dubai), Le Meridien (Abu Dhabi), Jumeirah Dhevanafushi (Maldives), Jumeirah Vittaveli (Maldives), Westin (Langkawi), St Regis (Langkawi), and Serena Hotels, Lodges & Camps (Tanzania).
The diverse career and extensive experience in the hospitality industry marked by innovative contributions in Food & Beverage, preopening expertise, and operational excellence makes him a valuable addition to our team.
Heidi's passion has been in health and wellness industry since the start of her career. A strong leader with over a decade of management experience and 22 years in spa operations, she brings a wealth of expertise to the field.
Previously, Heidi served as co-director of FG Innovation Management Ltd, a spa management company in Ireland. Her experience also includes roles at Inchydoney Lodge & Spa, Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, One&Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives, and Steiner Transocean Worldwide.
With nearly two decades of experience in hospitality development across the Maldives, Krishna brings strategic foresight and technical expertise to ATMOSPHERE CORE. He has played a lead role in the successful delivery of more than 10 hotel and resort properties in the Maldives, with a combined development value nearing USD 400 million.
A civil engineer by training with a postgraduate degree in Infrastructure Planning from the University of Stuttgart, Krishna has led projects from concept to completion, ensuring each destination is delivered on time, within budget, and to exceptional quality standards. He blends innovation with pragmatism, creating sustainable, guest-centric destinations that exceed expectations and optimise returns for investors.
Michel Politano Senior Vice President - Commercial
Michel Politano is an eCommerce professional with over 13 years of experience in sales, revenue and distribution. He has expertise in maximizing distribution chain and profitability, market penetration, online media planning and advertising and enhancing sales performance.
He has served as Group Director of Sales & Distribution at EMAAR hospitality and has since held several roles, including Group Director of Distribution and Area Director of e.Distribution – Dubai. Michel holds a Masters Degree in Science of Business Management from Euromed Marseille School of Management.
At ATMOSPHERE CORE, Michel is responsible for all Sales and Marketing activities in Maldives and additionally for Distribution for Maldives and South Asia.
With over 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry in the Maldives, Ali brings his expertise in visual communications, advertising, and brand strategy to ATMOSPHERE CORE. He specialises in resort pre-opening brand development and is well-versed in diverse market segments, ensuring that each property resonates with its unique audience.
In his role, Ali oversees the evolution and strategy of Atmosphere’s three brands and their sub-brands, guiding their global expansion using a collaborative approach that blends creative clarity with strategic intent. His focus remains on strengthening the brand’s presence across global markets, consistently delivering definitive campaigns that reinforce the company’s commitment to exceptional, bespoke hospitality.
Irshaad Mohideen
Vice President - Revenue, Distribution & E-Commerce
Irshaad MohideenVice President - Revenue, Distribution & E-Commerce
Irshaad is the Vice President of Revenue Distribution & E-Commerce at Atmosphere Core, with over ten years of experience in revenue management within the hospitality sector, he is responsible for revenue optimization for the company's portfolio in the Maldives. Specializing in pricing strategy, distribution, and digital marketing. His role involves developing and implementing data-driven commercial strategy including forecasting, demand analytics, and pricing analysis to drive portfolio-wide performance.
His experience extends across revenue management, sales, restaurant revenue management and digital marketing. Overseeing cross-functional teams including Reservations, E-commerce and Distribution. He also contributes to the brands regional expansion through structured commercial planning aligned with market and organizational objectives.
Anupam is a seasoned hospitality professional with over two decades of expertise in culinary and food & beverage leadership. Throughout his career, he has held key positions at prestigious brands such as The St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Raffles, and Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, earning widespread recognition for his innovation and leadership.
At ATMOSPHERE CORE, Anupam curates a distinguished Food and Beverage experience that blends luxury with local flavors and a commitment to sustainability. His leadership redefines the culinary journey, focusing on innovative dining that delights the senses while incorporating sustainable practices to create an exceptional and immersive guest experience.
Laila has been practicing law since 2006, with experience spanning both private practice and public service. Her background includes working at Shah Hussain & Co. and serving in the legal sector of the tourism industry.
In her current role at ATMOSPHERE CORE, Laila focuses on practical legal strategies that support the company’s operations and protect its brand integrity. She ensures compliance with industry regulations, safeguarding the company’s reputation and aligning with its core values. As a member of the Executive Committee of the Atmosphere Foundation, Laila contributes to the organization’s community initiatives.
Outside of work, Laila enjoys crafting and spending time with her children, who offer her a unique perspective and keep her grounded.
Milan brings over 30 years of extensive experience in Human Resources across the hospitality sector and various other industries. His most recent role was as Head of Human Resources and Training at Encalm Hospitality. His distinguished career includes key leadership positions at Massive Restaurants, VLCC Health Care, global hospitality consultancy firm HVS, Hotel Leela Ventures, IHHR Hospitality, luxury hospitality leader EIH (Oberoi Hotels and Resorts), and the Indian Hotels Company (Taj Group of Hotels).
His expertise spans across various HR domains, such as talent acquisition, organisational development, employee engagement, and performance management. Mr. Milan holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from North Bengal University, further complementing his extensive professional credentials.
Sasika brings over a decade of financial expertise to ATMOSPHERE CORE and has been an integral part of our journey since the opening of our first resort, Atmosphere Kanifushi Maldives, in 2014.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance (Special) Degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a Master of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from UCAM. His professional training includes experience at KPMG Sri Lanka & Maldives and Wijerathne & Co., Chartered Accountants.
Pradipta Kumar MohapatraVice President - Liaison and Development
With a proven track record of fostering strong partnerships and building strategic relationships, Pradipta brings deep expertise in stakeholder engagement, business development, and operational excellence. In this leadership role, Pradipta focuses on driving sustainable growth by enhancing cross-industry connections, exploring new opportunities, and aligning external partnerships with the company’s long-term vision.
