ISPA elects new officers
Todd Shaw, director of spa, fitness and wellness at La Quinta Club and Resort, has been elected chair of the International SPA Association (ISPA), with Todd Hewitt, corporate director of spa, health clubs and recreation with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, elected as vice chair.
Shaw takes over from outgoing chairman Michael Tompkins with immediate effect. Tompkins has taken on a new role as recruiter for Hutchinson Consulting, creating a change in his ISPA membership category from a spa to a resource partner. Due to the association’s bylaws, this change means he is no longer able to serve as chair.
On his appointment as chair, Shaw said: “I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back to a community that has given so much to me. ISPA is a community full of friends and mentors; people who inspire me with their creativity, willingness to share and relentless pursuit of excellence. These individuals are the foundation of my professional growth and I am privileged to serve them and have their trust and support.”
Hewitt said he was “honoured” to serve as vice chair, adding: “With my recent move to Hong Kong with Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, I am even more excited to spread the word throughout Asia and help us to increase our presence internationally.”
Laura Parsons, director of operations for the Americas with ESPA International (US) (Spa Division), will continue to serve as secretary/treasurer this year. The 2017 candidates for the ISPA Board of Directors will be announced at the 2016 ISPA Conference and Expo, which takes place at The Venetian in Las Vegas, USA, from September 13–15.
Founded in 1991, ISPA is a leading professional organisation and voice of the spa industry.
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