Olivier de Preval

Olivier has been with Six Senses since 2020 where he was previously heading the Feasibility and Investment analysis team as well as the F&PA team.

He is now responsible for the development of Six Senses in Europe Middle East and Africa in incredible leisure destination and key gateways.

Adventurous hotelier of passion, Olivier started his journey in luxury hotels operation across three continents: Europe, Asia, and America. Following a double MSc in Hospitality Management (IMHI) and Finance (MIF) at ESSEC Business School, Olivier has 10 years of experiences in Banking, Investment, Asset management and development, underwriting large luxury portfolio transactions and single hotel deals.

Curious by nature, Olivier enjoys learning about new subjects and has continuously developed himself with tenacity and audacity. From reading a book, cooking a nice meal, starting a new sport, or just discovering the world, he is looking for the out-of-the-ordinary in the simplest moments.

James Farrah

James joined IHG in January 2024 and is responsible for leading the growth of IHG's upper luxury portfolio across the Americas region, including Six Senses, Regent Hotels & Resorts, and Branded Residential across all brands. Prior to joining IHG, James was part of Marriott International and held roles in both the law department and the development organization as Vice President of luxury hotel and branded residential development throughout North America. Prior to the hospitality industry, James was an associate in the real estate practice group at Arnold & Porter LLP in Washington, D.C. James earned his undergraduate degree and JD from Georgetown University. He is based outside of Washington, D.C. and enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, traveling, experiencing new cultures, and keeping an eye out for luxury development opportunities.

Jael Fischer

Based in Bangkok, Jael is responsible for expanding the Six Senses brand across the Asia Pacific – covering a diverse region from the Maldives to India, Japan, and New Zealand.

Before joining Six Senses, Jael enjoyed 11 years of hospitality experience across four continents, including five years at IHG Hotels & Resorts. She specialized in development, corporate finance, business analytics, and hotel advisory, including feasibility assessments, investment and market research, asset management, and owner representation.

Jael is an alumnus of EHL Hospitality Business School in Switzerland. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management with honors and a specialization in Corporate and Real Estate Finance. She has also completed Cornell University’s Certificate Program in Hotel Real Estate Investments and Asset Management.

Originally from Switzerland but raised in Africa and Latin America, Jael speaks English, Spanish, German, and French. Living in eight countries has allowed Jael to enjoy traveling, meeting new people, and learning about different cultures. She is passionate about holistic well-being, vegan cuisine, and dog fostering (saving over 30 dogs).

Vijesh Patel

Vijesh Patel joined IHG as a Director of Development effective April 2025 to help lead pipeline development and growth for Six Senses, Regent, and Branded Residences in the Americas. Vijesh previously served as Director of Development for Six Senses in the Americas with effect in May 2022. Vijesh was a Vice President in the Hospitality Investment Advisory practice at Hodges Ward Elliott. He specialized in supporting and executing various sales processes for full-service, institutional-grade hotel and resort properties with an emphasis on the ultra-luxury segment throughout North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Prior to HWE, he spent two years as an analyst on the Investment Analysis team at InterContinental Hotel Group where he partnered with the Development team to prepare pro formas and Capital Papers to support the approval of deals.

Marija Paulaviciute

Based in London, Marija is the Development Manager for the Six Senses brand, focusing on expanding its presence in the EMEA region.

Before this role, she was a Senior Analyst in Business Analysis and Growth Initiatives EMEA at Marriott International, where she focused on investment analysis and overall development strategies. Her hospitality background also includes experience in Asset Management and Acquisitions in Private Equity, and multiple operational experiences in Monaco and Lithuania. Marija’s experience also extends to the financial sector, with internships in Banking and Audit.

Marija holds a degree in Hospitality Management from Hotelschool The Hague, graduating with Cum Laude honours. She has further enhanced her financial expertise by passing the CFA Level 1 exam and becoming exam certified as part of Certified Global Management Accountant (CIMA) qualification.

Originally from Lithuania, Marija speaks Lithuanian, Russian, English, French, and German. In her free time, Marija enjoys exploring new cultures, traveling, and staying active.

Samuel Richard

Samuel Richard is a Business Development Manager at IHG Hotels and Resorts, where he focuses on driving IHG brand growth in U.S. and Canada. With over a decade of experience at IHG, he previously served as a Quality Consultant and Regional Director of Franchise Openings.

A key contributor to the launch of Garner Hotels, Sam played an instrumental role in the successful opening of the first property in Auburn, WA, in December 2023. He excels in project management, growth strategies, and building strong relationships with hotel owners.

Before joining IHG, Sam worked as a Quality Consultant with LRA/Deloitte and held various operations roles with Fairmont, Westin, and W Hotels. 

Sam holds a Diploma in Hospitality Management from the Institut de tourisme et d'hôtellerie du Québec and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Université du Québec à Montréal.

Sam resides in Cochrane, near Calgary in Alberta, Canada. In his free time, Sam enjoys hiking and cross-country skiing in the Canadian Rockies, as well as cooking, gardening and traveling.