Todd Hewitt, formerly regional spa director at Four Seasons, based in Toronto, has moved to Hong Kong to head up spa for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

Hewitt – an ISPA board member – was placed in his new role by top industry recruiter Lori Hutchinson, who sadly died earlier this year “I was her last placement,” he says.

The new role – corporate director of spa for Shangri-La – will see him responsible for the company’s 90-plus CHI spas and health clubs, as well as having input into the emerging Kerry Sports business.

Hewitt follows Ian Brewis, Shangri-La’s previous head of spa, into the role, but the three year gap between the appointments means the business has been in maintenance mode since.

Hewitt’s brief from Shangri-La CEO Greg Dogan and members of the family-owned business, is to give new momentum to the spa and fitness division. “It’s clear they see greater opportunity for spa within Shangri-La and want leadership for the existing brands and to move forward on new projects,” Hewitt tells Spa Business.

Shangri-La has three main spa, sport and wellness brands including the well-known Asian-themed CHI, The Spa concept in 45 sites and the Health Club brand, which is used in properties which need a boutique operation. There’s also the new Kerry Sports brand – a family-orientated fitness and sports facility which Hewitt says is phenomenal. “I was just in Manilla visiting the latest location,” he says, “and as well as a weight room, cardio room and fitness centre, it has a full-sized NBA basketball court, swimming pool and kid’s zone – an entire floor is dedicated to different children’s activities”.

Hewitt says Shangri-La plans to grow its brand portfolio, with the eventual relaunch of its spas, but that this work won’t be rushed: “You don’t get a second chance to relaunch,” he says. “It has to be done right first time.”

Joining the business at a time of growth, Hewitt’s first job has been to visit flagship locations in Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Maldives, Mauritius, Abu Dhabi and Dubai: “We’re expanding,” he says, “in Doha, Sri Lanka, Jeddah, Manilla and the surrounding islands – plus there’s rapid growth in China.”

As a team player, Hewitt is looking forward to working with the team at Shangri-La. “They’re the nicest group of people,” he says, “very down to earth, involved and hard working. Having grown up in a family business, I feel at home.”