SpaBA appoints new chair ahead of 2013 relaunch

Charlie Thompson, head of health and beauty at Virgin Active, has been appointed chair of the Spa Business Association (SpaBA).

Thompson replaces outgoing chair Suki Kalirai, who stepped down earlier this year. Kalirai, who has also accepted the role of honorary president, will remain part of the association as a board member, along with previous deputy chair, Andrew Hammond.

Two new deputy chairs have also been appointed:  Alex De Carvalho, managing director of the Champneys Group, and Lesley Bacon, health club and spa manager at Hand Picked Hotels.

Commenting on the new SpaBA line-up, Thompson said: “I’m delighted that both Suki and Andrew have agreed to stay on the board, which will be helpful in our transition, and recognises their efforts for our industry.

“With SpaBa’s relaunch in 2013, we will become a central hub for the spa industry and help to solve the operational issues as well as give great value to our members through a wide variety of new projects and packages. In this way, we can truly become a cohesive force to empower our industry to reach its true potential, for the benefit of all.”