Neil Palmer takes on the role of Chief Operating Officer to look after the brand’s growing portfolio of hotels, resorts and spas in 20 countries, with a further 34 properties signed into the development pipeline. He will also focus on translating the Six Senses vision of reconnection into 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 Operations Asia Pacific, he developed the company’s hotel portfolio and oversaw the pre-opening hotel pipeline within the region.
Neil has a passion for the hospitality business. Following his 25-year tenure with Starwood, Neil became Chief Executive Officer and Co-owner of the premium luxury company, Per AQUUM Retreats & Resorts. Neil has in recent years been Chief Executive Officer of Elements HSC, a company he co-established specializing 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 between Kenya, New Zealand and Fiji and currently lives in New Zealand.
After his early years spent enjoying adventures with his father, he is looking forward to new experiences with his son Alex, wife Jo, and new family Six Senses from his base in Singapore.
“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 Six Senses and has been brought on to move the brand’s operations further forward through its authentic blend of wellness, sustainability, emotional hospitality, crafted experiences and growing community.
“I am thrilled to be part of this amazing hotel company and global hospitality and wellness brand. 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.”
