John Philipson - Managing Director Maldives. John was promoted to the position of Managing Director Maldives from his previous position as area director for the same region. In this role, he oversees the iconic Soneva Fushi – voted Best of the Best in Condé Naste Traveller’s Awards, Soneva Gili - the Maldives’ first award-winning over-water resort, and Six Senses Latitude Laamu - which is scheduled to open mid 2009.

John has more than eighteen years of hospitality experience including broad ranging responsibilities with deluxe 5-star international hotel and resort companies. Prior to joining Six Senses, he was general manager of Rocco Forte Hotels’ The Lowry, in Manchester, and general manager of The St. David’s Hotel & Spa in Cardiff, Wales. He started his hospitality career with the Hyatt International Group at the Hyatt Regency in Grand Cayman Island in the Caribbean, and the Grand Hyatt in Chicago.

A British national, John has been active in the hospitality industry since finishing his higher education at Newcastle University. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Hospitality from New Hampshire College and a Masters of Science in Hospitality at I.M.C.A. Socrates in Boulder, Colorado - both in the United States.

John is based at Soneva Fushi.