With weeks to go before the opening of the new 22,000sq ft spa, Civana founders Kevin Kelly and Rianna Riego have been forced out of the resort’s executive team.

Kelly, who had been CEO, has been replaced by Maggie Lang, a growth and marketing strategist who was recently head of guest experience and loyalty at Kimpton Hotels and brand director at United Airlines.

Riego had been chief brand and wellness officer; no immediate replacement for her has been announced.

In a statement announcing the change, Civana referred to Lang as “a seasoned executive with a career focused on growth, brand strategy, and the guest experience.” At United, Lang held multiple leadership roles, specifically in ancillary revenue, loyalty, and brand. During her tenure at Kimpton, she led marketing, loyalty, and guest experience, and was the creator of Kimpton’s loyalty programme, Karma Rewards.

Additionally, she served as the executive champion for Kimpton Women, a mentor program for emergent female leaders.

Civana's statement says: "In an industry where women represent only five per cent of chief executives, Lang brings a unique perspective to Civana and a commitment to providing a space where all are welcome to thrive."

Kelly and Riego – along with Larry Lamy, Civana’s chief financial officer – were part of the original group of spa industry veterans who created Civana, a hospitality brand based around sustainable wellness through an affordable travel and lifestyle platform. Lamy remains at Civana.

Civana's statement says "Lang joins wellness industry veteran Larry Lamy (CFO/COO) on CIVANA’s corporate leadership team".

In response, Kelly said: “I created the Civana model in an effort to democratise wellness and make it a fun, approachable experience for travellers, through quality programmes, healthier cuisine and healing spa treatments.

"Civana is positioned to be an industry disruptor, and I personally wish Maggie great success.”

Civana has invested some US$50m to transform the 189-bedroom Carefree Resort in Arizona, opening it as Civana Carefree in March 2018. Its new spa, which will have 29 treatment rooms, is set to open on 20 December.