Meet Brad Simmons
Originally from Bristol in the UK, Brad Simmons is a Manhattan-based luxury hospitality specialist, entrepreneur, and creative with more than 25 years of international experience.
Throughout his career, Brad has worked with some of the world's most celebrated luxury hospitality brands, including Rosewood, Aman, Corinthia, Maybourne and One&Only, specializing in hotel openings, repositioning, brand development and commercial strategy.
He is the founder of S² & Co., a New York-based company bringing together two complementary ventures: S² Consultancy, providing strategic advisory services to luxury hotel owners, developers and brands globally; and Gentleman's Boxer Productions, a creative venture dedicated to film, television and original storytelling.
Never one to sit still creatively, Brad has also recently returned to acting and modeling after more than 25 years away from the industry, rediscovering a passion that began long before his hospitality career. His return has already included commercial projects for Mastercard, Planet Fitness and Hewlett Packard, with the campaigns due to be released soon. For Brad, it's an exciting opportunity to explore another side of his creativity, proving it's never too late to revisit something you love or start a new chapter.
A passionate advocate for creativity, culture, and meaningful human connections, Brad also serves on the Board of St. George's Society of New York, contributing to the organization's continued evolution and its mission of fostering community and philanthropy.
A proud Brit who has wholeheartedly embraced New York as home, Brad can often be found walking his dog Paris through Central Park, discovering a new film at the Angelika, or enjoying a gin martini with his fiancé somewhere on the Upper East Side.
How did you get involved with SGSNY?
I was first introduced to the Society by Peter Bates in 2023, when I had the pleasure of sponsoring a table at the British Bash on behalf of The Surrey, A Corinthia Hotel, which I was working towards opening at the time.
As a Brit living in New York, I was immediately drawn to the idea of an organization that celebrates our shared heritage while bringing together such an interesting and diverse community of people.
What particularly resonated with me was the Society's extraordinary history, dating back to 1770, and its continued commitment to philanthropy, friendship and connection.
Having spent more than 25 years in luxury hospitality, I've always believed that the most memorable experiences are ultimately about people and making them feel they belong. In many ways, that's exactly what the Society represents.
What’s your favorite part of being an SGSNY member?
Without question, the people.
One of the great joys of New York is the extraordinary mix of personalities, backgrounds and stories you encounter. The Society brings so many of those people together, with the added pleasure of a shared connection to the British Isles.
I love that it's an organization with such a remarkable heritage, yet one that has the opportunity to continue evolving and embracing the cultural energy of modern New York.
Having joined the Board of Directors, I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to contribute ideas and help shape the Society's next chapter, celebrating its history while exploring new ways to engage members through culture, creativity, philanthropy and community.
For me, it's about meaningful connections, giving something back and, naturally, enjoying a little British humour along the way.
How has being part of SGSNY helped you as a newer New Yorker (personally and/or professionally)?
New York is an extraordinary place to call home, but even for someone who has spent much of his life traveling and living internationally, it can be quite an intimidating city at times.
The Society has helped make this enormous city feel a little smaller, introducing me to some wonderful people, creating genuine friendships and offering that lovely sense of familiarity that comes from a shared heritage.
Professionally, it's also been a particularly exciting chapter. After more than 25 years working with some of the world's leading luxury hospitality brands, I recently launched my own company, S² & Co.
Through S², I work internationally with hotel owners, developers and brands on openings, repositioning, commercial strategy and brand development. I've also established Gentleman's Boxer Productions, a creative venture focused on film, television and original storytelling, something I've been passionate about for many years.
Although the two businesses may seem rather different, they're both built around the same philosophy: creativity, relationships, great storytelling and bringing people together.
Being part of the Society has reinforced something I've always believed: whether in business or life, the most interesting opportunities often begin with a simple conversation.
What’s your favorite place in NYC? What's your favorite food or meal you’ve had since moving here?
This is a difficult one, because there are so many things I love about New York!
If I had to choose, it would have to be Central Park. I still pinch myself that I get to live just a block away from one of the most iconic parks in the world. Walking there every day with my dog, Paris, is one of life's simple pleasures, and something I never take for granted. There's something quite magical and peaceful about it.
I'm also a huge film lover, so the Angelika Film Center holds a special place in my heart. I love the atmosphere of independent cinemas, discovering a brilliant film and getting completely lost in a story for a couple of hours. It's also a lovely reminder of why New York is such an extraordinary city for creativity and culture.
As for food, after years working in luxury hospitality, I have been fortunate enough to enjoy some remarkable dining experiences. I have to confess that I am a complete sucker for a good American-Italian meal.
Give me a fantastic chicken parm, penne alla vodka, and a gin martini with a twist, and I am an extremely happy man.
If you have any questions regarding membership, please don't hesitate to contact the team at membership@stgeorgessociety.org or visit our Membership Page for more information.