The hotel industry has not heard the last of Sonu Shivdasani, OBE, after he sold controlling interest of Soneva Group to KSL Capital Partners.
Shivdasani, 58, told Hotel Investment Today via email that he did not sell out of Soneva when KSL converted their preference shares into ordinary shares, rendering them the majority shareholder. “Eva [his wife] and I remain significant minority shareholders,” he said. “So, it is very important to us that Soneva thrives. However, I have agreed with them that they will run the business and Eva and I will not be involved.”
Shivdasani added that Soneva and Six Senses have been a great passion for him and Eva over the last 30 years. “I feel fortunate to have a little bit of a break to catch my breath and do many things that I have always wanted to, but have never had the time,” he continued.
Hinting as his next chapter, Shivdasani said that there a few hospitality concepts that he wanted to develop, but his focus was just on Six Senses initially, and now for the last 10 years, Soneva.
He added that his life experiences have significantly improved his understanding of wellness and longevity, and that some of his current practices will allow him to have an extremely long and healthy life. “At 58, I have another lifetime of creativity ahead of me,” he concluded.
Hotel Investment Today expects to follow up with Shivdasani in a few months to learn more about his next professional move.
By Jeffrey Weinstein
