Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa Grows Business and New Skincare Line with the Appointment of Sharilyn Abbajay, Renowned Spa Industry and Retail Authority

NEW YORK, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, the leading North American day spa operator and globally recognized spa brand, announced today the appointment of Sharilyn Abbajay as its Senior Vice President of Spa Operations and Retail Development. Ms. Abbajay will oversee the growth and development of Red Door Spa Professional, the brand's first comprehensive at-home skin and body care line, as well as manage operational standards and strategies for Red Door Spa locations in New York and the Washington DC metro area.

Sharilyn Abbajay brings to the company more than 35 years of experience, including a previous senior level position with Red Door Spa nearly 15 years ago where she helped expand Red Door Spa's global positioning throughout the U.S. and Europe. Since then, Ms. Abbajay has become a well-recognized expert within the field of spa development, strategy, innovation and operational excellence.

"Sharilyn brings an unmatched level of expertise to Red Door Spa and we're thrilled to have her back as part of our management team," said Todd Walter, CEO of Red Door Spa Holdings. "As we continue to grow our spa presence and build our Red Door Spa Professional product portfolio, her expertise in retail channels, e-commerce and spa management will ensure Red Door Spa remains best in class within the industry."

Ms. Abbajay had previously served as the Vice President of Marriott Corporation global spas and retail, where she oversaw their portfolio of nearly 185 spas worldwide, as well as 2,000 retail stores and online sites. Prior to that, Sharilyn founded Abbajay & Associates - the Abbajay Collection, a leading consulting firm to meet the special needs of the spa, retail and hair industries. Past experience includes senior-level positions with the Neill Corporation/Aveda Corporation and Noelle the Day Spa, a subsidiary of the Gillette Company. 

Having started her career as a spa technician, Ms. Abbajay is passionate about the business and keeps her finger on the pulse of the industry by serving on the Board of Directors as Vice Chair and the Executive Committee of the International Spa Association, as Chairperson of the Washington Spa Alliance, and advising as the Industry Expert for Industry Trade. She also facilitated the 2003 ISPA Retail Knowledge Network, and co-chaired the 2004 ISPA Nominations Committee. Ms. Abbajay maintains active membership in Cosmetic Executive Women, the Medical Spa Association, the Washington, D.C. chapter of Executive Women, Global Spa and Wellness and the Day Spa Association, as well as in local and worldwide charity organizations, including Doctors without Borders, Clean the World, National Kidney Foundation, AmVets, Half the Sky, and Care.org. 

For more information about Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa, please visit us at www.reddoorspas.com.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa

With its renowned beauty expertise based on the fundamental elements of day spa pioneer Elizabeth Arden, Red Door Spa operates 30 day and resort spas nationwide. Red Door Spa's all-encompassing spa menu, complete with award-winning signature services, enhanced specialty treatments and beauty and wellness recommendations, offers everything from facial skincare, massage and body treatments to nail care, hair design, make up artistry and more. Always on the industry cutting edge, every Red Door Spa provides guests with a unique and unforgettable experience, delivering the highest level of technical expertise and impeccable guest service. Committed to enhancing the lives of its guests through beauty, harmony and well-being, and to providing pioneering techniques, quality treatments and advanced services, Red Door Spa continues to expand, innovate and serve as a trend-setting leader within the day spa industry.

SOURCE Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa