Neil Palmer has been appointed as Six Senses’ chief operating officer (COO) 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 Six Senses’ vision of reconnection into emblematic resort locations, downtown addresses and new residential offerings.

Palmer has 37 years of international hospitality experience, 25 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.

Following his tenure with Starwood, he became chief executive officer (CEO) and co-owner of Per AQUUM Retreats & Resorts.

In recent years, he also held the role of CEO of Elements HSC – a company he co-established specialising in global hospitality consulting and asset management.

“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 Neil Jacobs, CEO.

A graduate of Westminster Hotel School in London and a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Palmer 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. His new role will now see him relocate to Singapore.

“Over the past few years, I’ve observed with admiration the development of Six Senses,” he commented.

“I believe there remains a 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."