These interviews are part of a series that highlights new hires within the industry. Have you recently started a new role or do you know someone who has? Submit your ideas to kassidy.tarala@tigeroak.com.
Dant Hirsch was recently named general manager of Six Senses New York.
1. What are you looking forward to the most in your new role?
Six Senses is known for its properties in far-flung destinations with extensive wellness programs and eco-friendly sensibilities. Connection, community and extraordinary experiences are all part of our brand DNA. This kind of philosophy, commitment to design and overall elevated guest experience is something that New York has been seeking. It is incredibly exciting to bring the brand and all it stands for to one of the most dynamic cities in the world. Six Senses New York will be a place to recharge; for New Yorkers and those visiting New York. I can’t share everything but the concept will certainly be something that New York hasn’t seen before.
2. How do you think past experiences have prepared you for this role?
I have opened some amazing properties in my career, for both branded and independent hotels. These varied projects have allowed me to sharpen different skills. I’ve also been lucky enough to work with some extremely talented individuals that are some of the best in their respective fields. I’ve learned that putting together an amazing team of people for an opening is the most important task that I have. I spend more than 50 percent of my time in a pre-opening finding the right people, and the remaining 50 percent is helping them be their best.
Traveling has also prepared me for this role. Seeing the world and diverse cultures has allowed me to provide a more meaningful experience for guests. Having stayed at other Six Senses hotels throughout my travels, I was drawn to the culture of subtlety, warmth and authenticity. I am very much looking forward to bringing those attributes to Six Senses New York.
3. How did you get into the industry?
I was lucky enough to be born into the industry. My family built, lived on and managed a resort on Vancouver Island called Tigh-Na-Mara. It is known for having the largest and one of the most successful resort spas in Canada, Grotto Spa. We lived on the property from the time I was 4 years old though high school. While other kids had a paper route or after school job to earn some extra spending money, I worked my way through all aspects of the resort from housekeeping, front office, reservations, night audit, stewarding and banquet serving. I was able to experience many aspects of the hotel business from an early age. After graduating college, I returned to Canada to help open Grotto Spa and subsequently became general manager for several years before craving the opportunity to travel the world and work in different cultures. I left Canada in 2007 for this journey.
4. What are you hoping to achieve in your new role?
To successfully unveil the Six Senses brand and share our culture of sustainability, wellness, extraordinary experiences with New York. Six Senses has an inspiring set of values that I identify with. I believe when we share values in an authentic and genuine way, it becomes easy to achieve that success.
5. What do you enjoy most about the industry?
It’s the people. I like surrounding myself with like-minded people. Those with a common passion for hospitality. We spend a lot of time at work, so it is important to feel connected, encouraged and have fun in order to achieve shared goals.