Meet The Team
Behind every Tanaa Sanctuary lies a team of seasoned industry professionals dedicated to the art of high-end management. We combine decades of technical hotel experience with a deep commitment to biophilic design and cultural preservation. From finance and operations to wellness and culinary arts, our leadership team ensures that your vision is not only realized but sustainably grown.
John T. G. Nielsen
| Chief Executive OfficerJohn is an experienced leader in hospitality and wellness, with broad international expertise across luxury hotels, wellness retreats, education, and sustainable tourism. He has held senior leadership roles with Hyatt International and Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and most recently served as General Manager of Fivelements Retreat Bali, where he led wellness-driven hospitality and deep cultural integration.
John has also played a pivotal role in hospitality education, holding leadership positions at Les Roches Shanghai and Blue Mountains Hotel Management School across Shanghai, Sydney, and Melbourne. His career includes involvement in major pre-openings such as Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, Crown Towers Melbourne, and several high-profile restaurant and catering operations.
A lifelong golfer for more than 30 years, John developed a strong professional understanding of the golf industry during his four-year tenure as National General Manager of Hospitality at PGA Links Australia. In this role, he oversaw hospitality operations across four leading golf clubs and managed two major rebuild projects at Sanctuary Lakes Golf Club (Greg Norman design) and Sandhurst Golf Club (Peter Thomson design). He remains an active member of one of Melbourne’s historic sand belt courses. John is a former Board Member of the Wellness Tourism Association, Director of Sustainability at the Bali Hotels Association, and a global ambassador for World Wellness Weekend. He is currently pursuing his second Master’s in Sustainability Leadership and continues to mentor leaders while advancing purpose-driven, regenerative hospitality models.
Lars Wagner
| Chief Operating OfficerLars is an international hotelier with over 38 years of global hospitality experience, including 15 years as a General Manager for luxury hotel groups and private owners. Before founding his hotel consulting and advisory firm in 2022, he served as General Manager of Hotel Beau-Rivage Geneva. His career includes senior leadership roles with Hyatt International, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, and Mandarin Oriental, spanning three continents and supported by fluency in German, English, and French. Known for his strategic mindset, strong operational expertise, and results-driven leadership, Lars has successfully opened two hotels from pre-opening and overseen one major reopening and renovation. He is widely recognized for his ability to reposition properties, enhance financial performance, and build high-performing teams.
With more than 40 years of experience in golf, Lars is also a passionate golfer who has played over 100 courses worldwide. He previously served as Resort Manager for the opening of Terre Blanche Hotel Spa & Golf Resort and brings a deep understanding of all aspects of golf resort and private club operations. He is currently a member of a private golf club, further strengthening his hands-on expertise in this sector.
Lars studied at the Hotel School Hamburg and completed advanced executive programs at Cornell University, IMD Lausanne, and ESSEC. He also contributes to the next generation of hoteliers as a regular guest speaker at Glion Hotel School.
Revina Chandra
| Chief Marketing OfficerRevina is an experienced marketing and communications professional with a strong background in luxury hospitality and brand storytelling. She has held senior roles as Director of Marketing & Communications at The Apurva Kempinski Bali, where she led brand positioning, strategic partnerships, and public relations. Prior to that, she served as Marketing & Communication Manager at Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, overseeing media relations, campaigns, and guest engagement initiatives. She began her career as Marketing Communication at Alila Seminyak, where she supported pre-opening activities and communication strategies for the resort.
With expertise in campaign creation, community engagement, and brand communications, Revina has successfully elevated the visibility of internationally recognized luxury hotel brands. Passionate about sustainability and authentic storytelling, she continues to craft narratives that connect guests with both the brand and its cultural context.
Gilang Septiansyah
| Chief Brand & Digital OfficerGilang Septiansyah is an experienced leader in hospitality, branding, and digital strategy with extensive expertise in marketing and creative direction. He has held senior roles including Head of Marketing for the pre-opening of Nawa Labuan Bajo, Marketing Manager at Six Senses Uluwatu, and Digital Marketing & Communication Manager at Fivelements Retreat Bali. His career also spans creative leadership as Digital Art Director at Mediatropy and Corporate Art Director & Digital for Alila Hotels & Resorts worldwide, where he supported brand alignment across multiple properties.
In addition to his core roles, Gilang has delivered digital and creative projects for global brands such as Marriott Bonvoy, Hyatt ASPAC, Mastercard, Visa, Singapore Airlines, etc., strengthening their positioning through digital transformation and brand storytelling. With a background bridging both agency and hospitality groups, he has successfully driven pre-openings, global campaigns, and brand refinements across luxury hotels and resorts.
Gilang continues to develop his expertise as a Head of Marketing, Digital & Brand Curator, integrating creativity and strategy to build strong hospitality brands in Indonesia and beyond.