Former president and chief branding officer of Canyon Ranch, Kevin M Kelly, has joined Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort in the California desert as its chief executive officer.

Kelly is also the founder of Civano Living, a real estate advisory and development firm specialising in wellness and community.

In his new position, Kelly will spearhead the renovation and expansion of the 52-room hot spring resort, which occupies 50 of the 260 acre oasis.

Kelly said: “We're seeking to reposition Two Bunch Palms as a step towards building a sustainable-wellness lifestyle brand that research tells us is desperately needed in the marketplace.”

The property was purchased out of bankruptcy in April 2012 by a group of LA investors that include Hollywood producer Donald Kushner, businessman Steve Markoff, real estate investor Gidi Cohen and film producer Elie Samaha.