Neil Palmer has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer, looking after the Six Senses‘s growing portfolio of hotels, resorts and spas in 20 countries, with a further 34 properties in the development pipeline. His focus will be on transforming the Six Senses vision of reconnecting with emblematic resort locations, downtown addresses and new residential offerings.
Neil has 37 years of international hospitality experience, most of which he spent with Starwood Hotels & Resorts. In his role as Senior Vice President of Operations Asia Pacific, he developed the company’s hotel portfolio and oversaw the pre-opening hotel pipeline within the region.
Following his 25-year tenure with Starwood, Neil became Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner of the premium luxury company, Per AQUUM Retreats & Resorts. In recent years, Neil has been Chief Executive Officer of Elements HSC, a company he co-established, specialising in global hospitality consulting and asset management.
A graduate of Westminster Hotel School in London and a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Neil is a driven leader who believes learning and developing should always be a constant in life. He spent his childhood travelling between Kenya, New Zealand and Fiji and currently lives in New Zealand.
“With his boundless experience, energy and integrity, Neil is an exciting new protagonist in the Six Senses story as we continue to unite our vision of hospitality and reconnection in our places and spaces,” says Chief Executive Officer Neil Jacobs.
Neil has watched the dynamic development of the Six Senses portfolio and has been brought on to progress the brand’s operations through its focus on wellness, sustainability, authentic hospitality, crafted experiences and growing community.
“I am thrilled to be part of this amazing hotel company and global hospitality and wellness brand,” Neil comments. “I have observed with admiration the development of Six Senses over the past few years. I believe there remains massive opportunity in the industry space where Six Senses already plays a leading role. There is truly no better brand positioned to lead the way forward.”