Sanjiv Hulugalle appointed CEO/GM of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams

• Company identifies him as global hospitality visionary returning home to lead Sri Lanka’s most ambitious integrated resort

Cinnamon Life yesterday announced the appointment of Sanjiv Hulugalle as the Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s hospitality landscape.

With a career that spans over three decades and 12 countries across five continents, Hulugalle brings to Cinnamon Life an unparalleled legacy in luxury hospitality, real estate development, and transformative leadership. From the Maldives to Canada, China to the UAE, he has been at the helm of some of the world’s most prestigious hospitality and real estate ventures.

Previously the Group President of Hospitality and Real Estate at Kohler Co., Hulugalle drove innovation and strategic growth across a diverse portfolio. At Auberge Resorts Collection, he led the ambitious repositioning of a $ 210 million development. His 24-year tenure with Four Seasons saw him lead top-tier teams and deliver award-winning results across the globe.

Having been semi-retired, Hulugalle’s return to Sri Lanka was sparked not by circumstance, but by calling and purpose. “This is not just a role,” says Hulugalle. “It’s a way of giving back to the country that raised me—with its gracious hospitality, boundless warmth, and vibrant soul.”

Raised in a bustling household with five sisters, Hulugalle describes his upbringing as “full of life, colour, and chaos”—a dynamic energy that shaped his eccentric, vibrant, and whimsical personality. It is this very spirit that he intends to infuse into Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams: a bold, new vision of urban escapism, of global experiences grounded in local soul, and of Sri Lankan hospitality elevated to its highest form.

“Sri Lankan hospitality is naturally gracious and kind,” he reflects. “It’s in our DNA. My mother would’ve wanted me to return and give back.”

With Hulugalle at the helm, Cinnamon Life is set to emerge not just as a landmark development in Colombo but as a destination that captures the imagination of the world. Under his leadership, City of Dreams will embody the essence of modern Sri Lanka: rooted in culture, rich in character, and radiating with opportunity.

In addition to his work in hospitality, Hulugalle is also an active investor in AI-led technologies, residential real estate, and wellness-driven consumer brands, always seeking to blend strategic foresight with heartfelt service.

A hotelier for life, Hulugalle leads with authenticity, empathy, and creativity. “Be real, and serve from the heart,” he says. “That’s how magic happens.”

Celebrating 20 years of hospitality excellence, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is Sri Lanka’s leading hospitality brand, dedicated to ‘bringing the best of Sri Lanka to the world with style and elegance.’ A member of John Keells Holdings PLC, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has been a driving force in shaping the regions’ tourism landscape. 

With 13 properties in Sri Lanka – including four city hotels in Colombo, nine islandwide resorts and four resorts in the Maldives – Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts offers a diverse collection of experiences for urban explorers, beach lovers, and nature enthusiasts. Every property reflects the unique culture and character of its destination, delivering exceptional hospitality with a distinct sense of place.

Expanding its industry leadership, Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, opened in October 2024, is set to transform Colombo as a preferred destination for business, leisure, and entertainment. Developed with a $ 1.2 billion investment, this landmark integrated resort encompasses 687 luxury rooms, multiple entertainment venues, and world-class MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, positioning the city as a key player in the global hospitality and events industry. 

For two decades, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for Sri Lankan hospitality, continuing to lead with innovation, sustainability, and a commitment to elevating Sri Lanka’s tourism future.