With a distinguished career spanning over a decade, Ms. Giftie Alex-Ilani exemplifies excellence, innovation, and transformative leadership in the hospitality industry. From her foundational role as a Sales Coordinator to her current position as Director of Sales and Marketing at Kigali Marriott Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda, she has consistently delivered exceptional results through strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a steadfast commitment to nurturing the growth and development of those she leads. Her people-first philosophy goes beyond service—it is rooted in empowering individuals, cultivating talent, and building high-performing teams that thrive.

Her professional journey includes pivotal roles at renowned hospitality outfits such as Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Lagos Marriott Hotel Ikeja, where she led teams to record-breaking commercial success and championed guest-centric strategies. Under her leadership, these properties earned multiple Marriott International Golden Circle accolades, while she was personally recognized with the prestigious President’s Circle Award for MEA Top Performers in 2018.

Alex-Ilani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, with a specialization in Public Relations and Advertising—an academic foundation that has sharpened her ability to craft compelling brand narratives, foster enduring client relationships, and lead with clarity and influence.

Complementing her hospitality expertise is a breadth of experience across events, travel, public relations, and tourism—sectors in which she refined her skills in stakeholder engagement, brand positioning, and experiential service delivery. This multidimensional background informs her holistic approach to leadership and business development.

As an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Giftie is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, values-driven workplace cultures. She is widely recognized for building environments where collaboration flourishes, individuals feel seen and supported, and excellence is not just expected—but inspired—making her not only a leader, but a mentor and culture-builder.

Now expanding her footprint beyond Nigeria, Giftie continues to elevate hospitality standards across borders—leading with purpose from the heart of East Africa at Kigali Marriott Hotel, Rwanda.

It was in recognition of her accomplishments and contribution to national development in the sphere of Corporate Management (Hospitality Industry) that Ms. Giftie Alex-Ilani was deemed worthy to be conferred with the Woman of Merit Gold Award.