Massage Envy Spa® Expands Leadership Team With Seven New Executives

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy Spa, the pioneer and national leader of professional, convenient and affordable massage and spa services, announced today it has added seven new executives to the company's leadership team, including Debbie Gonzalez as Massage Envy Spa's new chief brand officer.

Gonzalez is responsible for leading the development and execution of the Massage Envy Spa brand strategy, in support of the overall business plan and strategic direction of the company. Gonzalez will oversee marketing, brand development, retail, merchandising, and industry relations for the company. Gonzalez brings over two decades of marketing and retail experience with brands, such as PetSmart, Gerber, Herman Miller and the Kellogg Company, to her new role with Massage Envy Spa.

In addition to Gonzalez, Massage Envy Spa has named:

• James Copley as vice president of franchise development
• Aaron Meyers as vice president of operations services
• Peter Rudenberg as vice president of supply chain
• Rachel Austin as vice president of people development
• Sheila Ullery as vice president of retail and merchandising
• Karen Sung as public relations director

James Copley, vice president of franchise development, brings 15 years of real estate and development experience from FedEx Office to Massage Envy Spa. In his new role, Copley is responsible for leading franchisee recruitment efforts on behalf of the brand while specializing in real estate market planning, site selection, lease negotiation, design, construction and project management.

As vice president of operations services, Aaron Meyers will oversee day-to-day operations support for the more than 1,000 Massage Envy Spa clinics across 49 states. His duties also will include formulating policies and strategic planning for future growth, while managing daily operations of personnel, communication strategies and administration. Previously a managing director with FedEx Office, Meyers brings 20 years of experience and a proven record of consistently improving performance and developing teams that are passionate about quality and results.

Peter Rudenberg will lead all supply chain and logistics management for Massage Envy Spa as the new vice president of supply chain. He brings more than three decades of sales, operations and management experience from his time at FedEx Office and will help to drive standardization of processes, procedures and purchasing.

As the vice president of people development, Rachel Austin will lead the development and implementation of all workplace programs at the Massage Envy Spa Franchise Support Center while overseeing national franchise training initiatives and events. She has an extensive background in human resources with 20 years at FedEx Office where she held various roles in domestic and international human resources.

As the vice president of retail and merchandising, Sheila Ullery will lead the development of Massage Envy Spa's retail strategies and plans, including product assortment, merchandising presentation and strategic partnerships. Ullery brings a strong background in merchandising, launching new brands, building markets, and establishing and growing strategic partnerships. Most recently, she served as executive director of global marketing at Aveda Corporation and also has held senior leadership positions with Disney Consumer Products and Matrix LLC. 

Karen Sung, public relations director, will lead external communication and public relations strategy in her role at Massage Envy Spa. She also will be responsible for media relations and furthering the brand's identity. Sung brings more than 15 years of experience from her time working at top-rated communications agencies, including Allison+Partners and Wagner Edstrom Worldwide, where she led diverse accounts such as Toyota and Microsoft.

"The expansion of our executive team comes on the heels of the rapid growth the company has been experiencing," said Joe Luongo, chief operating officer for Massage Envy Spa. "We are eager to tap our team's expertise to keep the momentum going as we continue to grow Massage Envy Spa."

Today, with more than 1,000 franchise locations operating in 49 states, Massage Envy Spa is one of the country's fastest growing wellness brands, serving a membership base of more than 1.5 million members. Open seven days a week, each Massage Envy Spa offers convenient times and locations to fit any guest's needs. Visit Massage Envy Spa on Facebook or on Twitter. For healthy living and wellness tips, visit Massage Envy's blog. Additional information, including a list of all clinics, can be found at MassageEnvy.com.

About Massage Envy Spa
Massage Envy Spa, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchised locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage in the United States. The national franchise is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and spa services to members and guests with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy Spa has more than 1,000 franchise locations in 49 states and over 1.5 million members.  In addition, the average unit volume for a franchise location is $1.35 million. Through its national partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, Massage Envy Spa has raised more than $2 million in three, one-day Healing Hands for Arthritis events. The company was recently ranked #1 Best Franchise with an initial investment of $500,001 and up by Forbes, #88 in Franchise Time's Top 200, #54 in Entrepreneur's 2014 Franchise 500 and #24 in its Fastest Growing Franchise rankings. Massage Envy Spa is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise. For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com. 

CONTACT:    Amanda DelPrete
                    Fish Consulting
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SOURCE Massage Envy Spa