Spafinder Wellness, Inc. names John Bevan Chief Operating Officer

Former managing director and vice president of Spafinder® Europe Limited will lead global operations from the company’s headquarters in Miami.

Former managing director and vice president of Spafinder® Europe Limited will lead global operations from the company’s headquarters in Miami.

Chief Administrative Officer Neil Kurlander to oversee legal, finance, human resources and customer service divisions.

MIAMI, Florida − Spafinder Wellness, Inc.® today announced John Bevan has been appointed chief operating officer (COO) of the leading media and marketing company for the spa and wellness industry. Since 2013, Bevan has served as managing director and vice president of Spafinder® Europe Limited, where he led the successful introduction of new wellness travel initiatives, gifting products and technology.

Bevan will be based at the company’s new headquarters in Miami and immediately assume responsibility for global sales, digital marketing, advanced technology products and operations. He will also lead strategic planning and the continued growth of the Spafinder Wellness 365™ Network, which now includes 23,000-plus spa, fitness and wellness providers around the world, including local businesses and travel properties.

“As head of our operations in Europe, John proved to be a trusted leader who consistently delivered results,” said Spafinder Wellness Chairman and CEO Pete Ellis. “His proven successes in Europe stem from his talent for innovation and his keen sense of the wellness industry—which have resulted in increased consumer use of our marketing and gifting programs. He is uniquely qualified to build our global presence and will help us achieve excellence throughout the organization.”

In addition, Neil Kurlander, Esq., will continue as chief administrative officer and general counsel, managing internal and external legal matters and corporate administration, with the added duties of overseeing finance, human relations and customer service functions. Kurlander is also corporate secretary and is responsible for all corporate governance matters.

Furthermore, based on Bevan’s appointment to COO and move to Miami, Steve Kane, group president, gift sales and business development, will assume new, additional responsibilities for gift card sales in Europe. He will continue to lead the company’s global gifting program, which includes retail and digital gift cards and vouchers, and its workplace wellness program, Corporate Wellness 365™, along with new business initiatives in the U.S. and Canada.

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“I am delighted to join the outstanding team in Miami and extremely proud of the team in London and the exceptional work they have done to reposition our brand as a leading force in the UK spa and wellness industry,” Bevan said. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to help build Spafinder Wellness into the leading wellness brand that is truly global. The wellness sector is growing at an extremely fast rate, and we are uniquely positioned to bring this highly diverse and complex industry together in one location to help people everywhere live and work well.”

Bevan joined Spafinder Wellness from Voyage Privé UK Ltd. and Lastminute.com, where he achieved significant business growth for both companies, along with improved working efficiencies and cost reductions. Additionally, Bevan was group marketing and product director of Online Travel Corporation PLC and managing director of Emap Digital Travel. He has over 25 years’ experience in the spa and travel industries.

“I am thrilled John is joining what I believe to be the strongest management team in our company’s 29-year history,” said Ellis. “I am also grateful to our exceptional staff and look forward to the next chapter of market leadership together.”

Spafinder, which was founded in 1986, re-branded as Spafinder Wellness 365 in 2013, in recognition of the company’s more diverse wellness focus. As well, the company operates Corporate Wellness 365, a workplace wellness program that offers employers incentives fully aligned with health objectives.

About Spafinder Wellness, Inc.®: Spafinder Wellness, Inc.® is the world’s largest media and marketing company for the spa and wellness industry and the leading consumer resource for feeling good and living well all year round. With nearly 30 years of experience as a spa and wellness authority, millions of people find inspiration to keep well every day via the Spafinder Wellness 365™ brand, also known for its widely distributed gift cards—available at 70,000-plus retailers worldwide—and its global network of 23,000-plus spas, salons, fitness, yoga and Pilates studios and travel destinations.

The company’s Corporate Wellness 365™ division offers incentive products and partnerships that help to foster wellness in the workplace. Learn more at spafinder.com, spafinder.co.uk and spafinder.ca.

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Linda Hohnholz

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