ABOUT: WHO ARE WE

AMIR MANSOOR

Managing Director

An accountant and professional tennis player turned businessman. Amir Mansoor is a pioneering entrepreneur who has made Lily International one of the leading businesses in the Maldives. He holds advanced academic credentials on several management programs including a higher diploma in Directorship from Singapore Management University. With the leadership of Amir, today, Grape Expectations stand with integrity and dedication in meeting the needs of its valued stakeholders.

STEFANO BARBIERI

Chief Operating Officer

We like to call him, ‘a jack of all trades’. He is involved in every department, especially sales, marketing and product sourcing. His ‘2-year contract’ back in the 90’s eventually landed him in the alcohol distribution business and 2024 marks his 30th year in the market. Stefano is a chef by trade and his experience in F&B is truly unparalleled.

Khail van Niekerk

Business Development Manager

WSET Educator

Khail joined us in March 2018. Born and raised in a wine region of South Africa, it was perhaps inevitable that Khail would join the wine industry, even while studying at Stellenbosch University in 2007. Having worked in senior management positions in sales and marketing for boutique wine estates, Khail took every opportunity to travel to wine regions across the globe and can be found wherever good food and great wines are enjoyed together. His passion for wine is exemplified by the completion of his WSET Level 3 and his completion of an internship on a wine estate working in the cellar and vineyards to better understand the technical processes behind wine production. He now heads up business development for a wide range of products and leads the training department as Nominated Educator for WSET programs.

M. A. TISSERA

Sales & Marketing Manager - Beer

Tissera has more experience in the Maldives Bonded Warehouse market than any of our team. He has seen the emergence of the alcohol supply industry evolve since the first suppliers pulled into town in the 80s. Today we are happy to have him with us in a team where each individual brings their own unique set of skills to the table.

TINASHE MUKOSI

Sales | Sommelier & Wine Educator

Tinashe joined Grape Expectations in 2021 as a sommelier. After completing his Economics degree in Zimbabwe, Tinashe found love for the wine and hospitality industry in the Cape Winelands of South Africa where he attained his WSET Level 3 and also studied with the Cape Wine Academy. Since 2013 he has worked with top hospitality establishments taking on bar and sommelier roles. He left us for a brief stint in the Grand Cayman Islands and returned in March 2024.

NOSIPHO MKHIZE

Sales | Sommelier & Wine Educator

Nosipho is from Cape Town, South Africa- having started her career in wine and hospitality in Durban, working in a 5-star hotel. She joined Grape Expectations as sommelier & wine educator in 2023. She worked her way within the industry at 5-star hotels and renowned wineries in the Western Cape, bringing with her over 9 years of professional background. Nosipho has accumulated a wide range of experience from marketing and sales to wine export over the years. She has recently been based in the Maldives to further her knowledge and experience.

ELZBETH DU PLOOY

Sales | Sommelier & Wine Educator

Elzbeth has always had a passion for wine and after graduating with a Masters in sociology in the Netherlands, she went back to the South African winelands. With her love of wine and learning, she completed her WSET education, graduating with DipWSET. She put her knowledge and passion to practise and worked at a couple of prestigious wine farms in South Africa. She gravitated towards an opportunity working for a luxury resort in the Maldives within their wine team. Elzbeth’s experience in Maldives and her zeal for wine carved the path to join Grape Expectations as a Sommelier in 2023 to further her career in wine.

JORDAN DOBIE

Sales | Sommelier & Wine Educator

Jordan joins Grape Expectations from Cape Town, South Africa. It was while obtaining his Marketing degree in Stellenbosch that he discovered an interest and passion for wine. After completing his studies he worked at a number of renowned estates in the Western Cape, i.e. Steenberg, Plaisir & Bartinney, where he accumulated experience in both sales and marketing departments. He looks to further his knowledge and experience in the Maldives.

ANN MARMOL

Sales Manager

Ann’s journey speaks volumes about her tenacity and adaptability. Having honed her skills in the dynamic world of resort management and alcohol distribution, she’s been a driving force in the Maldives since 2012. Over the past 12 years she has worked at 3 of the most comprehensive alcohol distributors in the market, giving her a leading edge in a somewhat challenging environment. Not only did she navigate the challenges of rapid expansion, but she has now embraced a new frontier by transitioning into sales. We’re thrilled to witness her continued growth and success in this exciting and demanding domain.