Lionel Franck Valla – MD, L.I.F.E. Seeking a new challenge in life, Lionel decided to join Six Senses Sanctuary, Phuket as Director of Operations in 2009 and has assumed the role of General Manager since January 2010. In August 2011, he moved to the Hub as group MD of L.I.F.E. – the area that creates memorable guest experiences, also overseeing food & beverage operations for the company. Before joining Six Senses Sanctuary, Phuket, he was General Manager at the Evason Ana Mandara & Six Senses Spa in Nha Trang, Vietnam. Before that, he worked as Executive Assistant Manager at the prestigious Soneva Gili - the Maldives first all over-water resort, also operated by Six Senses Resorts & Spas. Lionel first arrived at Soneva Gili towards the end of 2002 to take up the dual role of Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Manager, overseeing the entire food and beverage operation of the resort. Lionel is temporarily holding the fort at Six Senses Ninh van Bay as General Manager.