Sai Baddi has been promoted to general manager of The World, Residences at Sea, marking the latest step in an 18-year career aboard the distinctive residential ship.
Baddi will take up the position in September 2026 and assume responsibility for the ship's hotel operations. He succeeds Thomas Legner, who stepped down earlier in the year.
The appointment represents a notable promotion from within. Baddi joined The World in 2008 as relief food and beverage manager before progressing through food and beverage management, director and senior director roles. During that time, he helped develop a number of the ship's signature dining concepts and worked with Michelin-starred chefs and internationally recognised culinary specialists.
Jessica Hoppe, president and chief executive officer of The World, said Baddi's leadership, professionalism and commitment reflected the standards of the ship. She also highlighted his knowledge of its unusual residential community, collaborative approach and operational experience as strengths for the general manager role.
Baddi brings more than three decades of hospitality experience to the appointment. Before joining The World, his career included leadership roles with Cunard Line, where he was involved with the pre-opening teams for Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, as well as positions with Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Taj Group of Hotels and Sheraton. He has also undertaken executive leadership studies at Oxford University and Cornell University.
A specialised role at sea
The World is not a conventional cruise ship. Launched in 2002, it contains 165 privately owned residences and travels continuously around the globe, with its resident community helping to shape the itinerary. That model makes continuity, personal service and a detailed understanding of life aboard especially important.
Baddi's long association with the vessel gives him considerable first-hand knowledge of its residents, crew and operating culture. His promotion therefore combines senior hospitality experience with something difficult to recruit externally: nearly two decades spent learning the particular rhythms of this one-of-a-kind ship.
