A Journey of Excellence in Hotel Management

In the world of hospitality, success stories often unfold in remarkable ways, and one such tale is that of Aaron McGrath. An alumnus of HIM, Aaron graduated with a Diploma in Hotel Management in 1991. Over the past three decades, he has carved a path of excellence in the international hospitality industry, making his mark as a pragmatic leader and a passionate advocate for sustainability and wellness. This article explores the journey of Aaron McGrath, from his early days at HIM to his current role as the Regional General Manager of Six Senses Fort Barwara.

 

Early Beginnings at HIM

Aaron McGrath's journey in the world of hospitality began at the prestigious Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM) in Switzerland. Graduating in 1991 with a Diploma in Hotel Management, Aaron laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would span over 30 years. His time at HIM instilled in him the core principles of hospitality, setting the stage for his future success.

 

A Dynamic Career in Hospitality

With a strong educational background from HIM and an MBA from Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne, Aaron's career trajectory in the hospitality industry has been nothing short of remarkable. He has consistently excelled in the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of international hospitality, hotels, and integrated resorts. His pragmatic leadership style, characterized by composure under pressure, has been a driving force behind operational excellence and exceptional guest satisfaction.

Throughout his career, Aaron has taken on challenging roles that have showcased his ability to identify and resolve complex organizational challenges. His dedication to improving customer experiences and adding value to all facets of operations has been a recurring theme in his professional journey. Notable achievements include his roles in delivering total organizational transformation for Six Senses, Imperial Springs, and 20 years at Sonaisali Group in Fiji passing through many management roles in the company.

 

Passion for Sustainability and Wellness and Eco Tourism

One of Aaron's defining qualities is his commitment to sustainability and wellness. As an advocate for environmentalism, he has been a driving force behind Six Senses' environmental initiatives. His dedication to sustainability extends to the design and operation of Six Senses Fort Barwara, which was selected as one of the top 50 Eco Suites by Elite Traveler.

Aaron's passion for cultural tourism aligns with his sustainability goals. He believes that sustaining cultural heritage is essential for the long-term relationship between communities and travelers. Experiential tourism, another of Aaron's interests, emphasizes emotional connections and community support while promoting local culture and historic architecture.

Being an avid motorcycle enthusiast, he has a love of road trips which have taken him on exhilarating journeys through hidden gems and uncharted territories. He finds solace and inspiration on the open road, often venturing into remote landscapes and unexplored regions. Working in hospitality in amazing regions of the world has allowed him to fulfill his personal and professional passions. 

Cultural Tourism is an essential component of sustainability, supporting communities to flourish while maintaining traditional values and cultural heritage. Maintaining authenticity is crucial to a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship between those communities and those of us who love to explore and seek out new adventures.

 

Leadership Roles at Six Senses

Aaron's tenure at Six Senses has been particularly noteworthy. He has held various leadership positions within the organization, showcasing his ability to lead and adapt to diverse challenges.

1. General Manager - Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman: Aaron's journey with Six Senses began in 2016 as the General Manager for Six Senses Zighy Bay in Oman, where he made significant contributions to the property's success.
2. Regional General Manager - Saudi Arabia: His next role as Regional General Manager for Saudi Arabia involved strategic leadership and stakeholder management, driving ambitious growth in the region.
3. Regional General Manager - Australasia & Pacific: In this role, Aaron supported portfolio growth, brand development, and the expansion of Six Senses properties across the Australasia and Pacific region.
4. Regional General Manager - India & Bhutan: Currently, Aaron serves as the Regional General Manager for India and Bhutan, overseeing the day-to-day operations of Six Senses Fort Barwara, located in Rajasthan, India.

 

Champion of Training and Development

Aaron's leadership style emphasizes the importance of training and development. He has created company cultures grounded in customer-centricity and operational excellence. His focus on closing skills gaps and ensuring staff engagement has been instrumental in driving world-class customer experiences, performance, and profitability. Aaron encourages his teams to seek out innovative ways of achieving business goals, embracing and promoting innovation.

 

An inspiration to students

Aaron McGrath's journey from HIM to becoming the Regional General Manager of Six Senses Fort Barwara is a testament to his dedication, leadership, and passion for hospitality, sustainability, and wellness. His ability to navigate complex challenges, drive organizational transformation, and champion sustainability initiatives has made him a shining star in the hospitality industry and an inspiration to current students. As he continues to lead and inspire, Aaron McGrath remains a true exemplar of excellence in hotel management.