LOS ANGELES, March 15, 2023 – Luxury wellbeing brand Sensei has announced the promotion of Alexandra Walterspiel and Dr. Vishal Patel to serve as co-presidents, bringing in a new wave of leadership to the rapidly growing company. Walterspiel, who is also chief operating officer in addition to her new role, will oversee the business side of Sensei, including operations, human resources, finance & accounting, sales & marketing, legal and business development. Dr. Patel, who added chief medical officer to his role, will oversee the wellness and technology side of the brand, focusing on retreat programming, scientific affairs, IT, and software engineering. As co-presidents, Walterspiel and Patel will work together to further Sensei’s primary vision of helping people live longer, healthier lives.
“Alex and Vishal have both been critical in Sensei’s success and growth to date. The company not only deftly navigated the challenges of the pandemic, but also thrived, as evidenced by the fact that a second, and fully managed, retreat – Sensei Porcupine Creek – opened just three years after Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort,” said Sensei co-founder and world-renowned physician, Dr. David Agus. “Their unique backgrounds and extensive experience give Sensei a leadership perspective that we believe will offer a unique strategic direction and will serve the company’s ambitious growth goals.”
“It is a true privilege to be tapped to lead a cutting-edge and mission-driven company like Sensei. We are an industry-leading wellness company, supported by the best a luxury hospitality company can offer. I am thrilled to partner with Vishal to further elevate this marriage of ideals and create an unmatched and unparalleled experience,” said Alexandra Walterspiel.
In her role as co-president and chief operating officer, Walterspiel also drives the Business Development efforts with the goal to expand the reach of Sensei in both stand-alone retreats and wellness clubs. With over 30 years in hospitality, she has an unparalleled background in the luxury and lifestyle Segments of the industry, having previously worked with esteemed companies like The Ritz-Carlton, Ian Schrager’s Morgans Hotel Group and Sage Hospitality. Prior to joining Sensei, she also owned and operated her own company, IMPRINT Hospitality.
“I am thrilled to have been asked by the Board to join Alex in the company’s leadership. It is my honor to play a part in Sensei’s continued trajectory of becoming a global leader in wellbeing and I look forward to working closely with the Board to develop Sensei’s long-term strategy to use technology to improve health,” said Dr. Vishal Patel.
As co-leader of the company and Sensei’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Patel oversees the scientific integrity of Sensei’s experiences, ensuring that Sensei’s high-touch experiences are evidence-based and data-driven, supporting the delivery of personalized and inspiring guest journeys. Before Sensei, he worked with healthcare systems, including Geisinger and Parkland Hospital, on the design, implementation, and analysis of health care programs.
Patel and Walterspiel will continue to oversee the existing Sensei Retreats – Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort in Hawaii and Sensei Porcupine Creek in Rancho Mirage, California – while expanding the brand through new properties, programming and other offerings, as well as further positioning Sensei as the leader in the luxury wellness space.
