Global Luxury & Lifestyle Learning Manager at IHG Hotels & Resorts
Toronto, Canada
Meet Robert Kostecki, the Luxury & Lifestyle Manager at IHG and Six Senses, whose journey into the vibrant world of hotels and resorts has been nothing short of an adventure. Robert’s passion for the hospitality industry was kindled by a family member who embarked on a similar path, traversing the globe, and sharing captivating tales. This sparked a flame within, guiding Robert towards a trajectory that has now spanned 15 years in the culinary world, luxury hotel, resort, spa and residences. His first chapter began as a chef, where he spent over six years mastering both hot kitchen and pastry arts under some fantastic chefs. This culinary adventure unfolded simultaneously with his university studies, providing him with a holistic understanding of the industry. Robert has worked with renowned brands such as Hilton, Four Seasons, and Fairmont across Canada. Eager to extend his career, Robert pursued a Master's degree in Switzerland, further enriching his academic foundation and building a strong network. During his studies, he discovered Six Senses and was recruited by Six Senses Spas in Qatar as a management trainee, where he contributed to the brand's allure in Membership Sales across five spas in the Middle East. He also opened four new Six Senses Spa destinations. After two enriching years, the corporate team recognized Robert’s multifaceted skill set and proposed that him to join Human Resources and Training. This transition marked the beginning of a diverse professional journey, where Robert started with creating and delivering over 28 new offline training programs in his first year. For over 11 years, Robert has been diligently steering the brand learning and development initiatives at Six Senses. During this tenure, he’s been privileged to visit and drive the opening of 14 award-winning Six Senses destinations, training over 3,700 people globally. Additionally, Robert has curated a repertoire of over 150 online courses, ensuring that teams are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills needed to create extraordinary guest experiences. As a Corporate Hotel Learning Manager, Robert is not merely a custodian of knowledge; he is a fervent advocate for fostering a culture of continuous learning, growth, and excellence. Other than his dedication to learning and development, Robert still loves to cook and is a passionate electronic music producer.