Six Senses chief executive Neil Jacobs steps down

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas chief executive Neil Jacobs has stepped down after 13 years with the brand.

Parent company IHG Hotels & Resorts confirmed Jacobs left the business on July 3 “to pursue new challenges”. 

The hotel group declined to comment on plans for Jacobs’ replacement.

A statement from IHG Hotels & Resorts said: “For the last 13 years Neil Jacobs has been at the heart of the growth and success of Six Senses, with his passion and vision helping elevate the brand to a world-renowned reputation for wonderful properties, sustainable practice and deep wellbeing. 

“Neil has built a lasting legacy, and with our sincerest gratitude and respect he has left the business to pursue new challenges outside of IHG Hotels & Resorts."

Confirming his move on LinkedIn, Jacobs said: “After more than 13 years with this extraordinary brand, I am stepping away from leadership of the company and setting out on a new adventure. It is a moment filled with many emotions — pride in what we’ve built, gratitude for those I’ve worked alongside, and excitement for what’s ahead.

“Leading Six Senses has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. From the start, we set out to create something different: a brand rooted in purpose and guided by the belief that hospitality can be both deeply meaningful and genuinely regenerative. We didn’t just build hotels, we built a culture where sustainability, wellness, design, and experience were always in service of something greater.

“From eight hotels to 26 open properties, with more than 30 on the way, I am incredibly proud of how far we have come. But what matters most to me are the people: my colleagues, partners, and mentors who brought this vision to life with passion, creativity, and courage. You’ve shaped me in ways I’ll carry forward always, and made this chapter not just memorable, but truly transformative.”

He added: “Some might assume stepping down means slowing down or retiring. That road is not for me. I’ll soon be announcing a new venture, one that feels like a return to my own wild origins. A chance to explore fresh ideas, challenge assumptions, and collaborate with kindred spirits who believe, as I do, that hospitality can be a force for good.

“To the entire Six Senses family and my IHG Hotels & Resorts colleagues: thank you for the trust, the memories, and the impact we’ve made together. More to come soon.”