CEO Insights Magazine

The business landscape in Maldives reflects a dynamic tourism-driven economy, with hospitality and food services playing significant roles. CEOs in this context are pivotal in driving growth, managing operations, and navigating regulatory challenges to sustain business success.

Ibrahim Naeem, Group CEO and Managing Director of Silver Spoon Private Limited, began his career in 1985 as a customs cargo clearance officer at Miotec, Male’ International Airport. His journey evolved through roles such as head office clerk for the airport's restaurant and overseeing the Kudarah Island Resort development project, where he successfully launched 30 luxury rooms within a year.

In 1990, leveraging his experience, Naeem established Silver Spoon, launching the Raanbaa Restaurant and Male’ Tour Inn guest house. Over the years, Raanbaa Restaurant grew to become the largest in Maldives with a 250-seat capacity and expanded facilities. Following Raanbaa’s closure in 2020, Silver Spoon diversified into outdoor catering and secured a franchise with The Manhattan Fish Market in 2016, expanding to multiple outlets.

Under Naeem’s leadership, Silver Spoon ventured into seafood import and distribution with Unique Seafood, and won bids to operate a luxury city hotel with extensive event facilities. In 2022, further franchise agreements led to the establishment of The NY Steak Shack, the largest restaurant in Maldives, and Scoozi Pizzeria Italiana in 2023. In 2024, Naeem launched Unique Seafood Resort Supply, enhancing storage capabilities and securing partnerships with major international seafood suppliers.

Today, under Naeem’s guidance, Silver Spoon employs 150 staff members, demonstrating his strategic vision and leadership in expanding the company’s footprint in Maldives’ competitive hospitality and food services sector. Let’s hear from him. 

With over three decades of experience, what has been your journey to success and what is your guiding philosophy? What inspires your daily commitment?

My success has been guided by blessings from Allah SWT, coupled with principles of honesty and integrity. Additionally, Ibrahim Sabir has been instrumental in my success, offering continuous guidance and mentorship for over two decades. He is a shareholder of Silver Spoon and is currently the Chairman of the company. I am grateful for unwavering support from my wife, as well as backing from bankers, family, and friends. My passion lies in delivering outstanding food, beverage services, and hospitality to both local residents and tourists in the Maldives. My ambition is to leave a lasting impact on the Maldivian food and beverage industry.

Our organization places a strong emphasis on building a cohesive team and nurturing long-term relationships with our staff, with several senior management members having been part of our journey for over two decades. Sustainability is at the core of our business strategy, focusing on delivering high-quality services while upholding values of honesty, reliability, and integrity throughout our operations. In addition, I have established a separate family company where my wife and children serve as directors, actively participating in daily business decisions, which significantly contributes to our continued growth and success. This integrated approach ensures that we not only maintain our current standards but also strive for sustainability and excellence in the years ahead.

Describe your leadership approach and the principles you follow as a leader.

As a leader, I prioritize a deep understanding of our company's financial health and operational dynamics. I advocate for utilizing the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis framework to gain strategic insights and navigate challenges effectively. This approach allows us to capitalize on our strengths, address weaknesses proactively, seize opportunities in the market, and mitigate potential threats. Additionally, fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration is integral to my leadership style, ensuring that our team is aligned with our organizational goals and empowered to contribute their best efforts. By leveraging these methodologies, I aim to steer our company towards sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience in a dynamic business landscape.

What is the future destination you are headed towards?

My aspiration is to establish a prominent presence as a leader in the food and hospitality sector within the capital city of the Maldives. By focusing on delivering exceptional culinary experiences and unparalleled hospitality services, I aim to set new benchmarks in quality and customer satisfaction. Through strategic expansion, innovative offerings, and sustainable practices, I envision our company becoming synonymous with excellence and preferred choice for both locals and tourists alike. This journey towards leadership in our industry drives our continuous pursuit of growth, innovation, and enduring success in the vibrant Maldivian market.

In the light of your strong experience within the industry, what advice would you give to the budding industry leaders? 

Drawing from my extensive industry experience, my advice to emerging leaders is to prioritize honesty, reliability, and respect in all business dealings to foster trust and credibility. Upholding integrity is crucial for building a sustainable and resilient business foundation. Moreover, maintaining a strong sense of faith and adhering to religious principles can provide moral guidance and ethical clarity in decision-making processes. By embodying these values and principles, budding industry leaders can navigate challenges effectively, inspire their teams, and cultivate long-term success in the competitive business landscape.

Ibrahim Naeem, Group CEO & Managing Director, Silver Spoon

Aged 56, Ibrahim Naeem is the Group CEO & Managing Director of Silver Spoon. He is a devoted father with two children - a daughter and a son - and a proud grandfather to two grandchildren, aged 7 years and 6 months respectively. Naeem has been instrumental in steering Silver Spoon's growth in the Maldivian hospitality.