John Bevan has been promoted to chief operating officer (COO) of Spafinder Wellness, after a successful two-year tenure as managing director and vice president of Spafinder Europe.

Bevan, who has 25 years’ experience in the spa and travel industries, will be based at the company’s new headquarters in Miami and immediately assumes 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 includes 23,000-plus spa, fitness and wellness providers around the world.

“As head of our operations in Europe, John proved to be a trusted leader who consistently delivered results,” said Spafinder Wellness chair 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 programmes. He is uniquely qualified to build our global presence and will help us achieve excellence throughout the organisation.”

Bevan joined Spafinder Wellness in 2013 from Voyage Privé UK – having also worked at Lastminute.com – achieving significant business growth for both companies, along with improved working efficiencies and cost reductions. Additionally, Bevan previously served as group marketing and product director of Online Travel Corporation and managing director of Emap Digital Travel.

“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,” said Bevan.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to help build Spafinder Wellness into the leading wellness brand that is truly global.”

As a result of Bevan’s move to Miami, Spafinder Wellness group president for gift sales and business development, Steve Kane, will assume additional responsibilities for gift card sales in Europe. He will continue to lead the company’s global gifting programme, which includes retail and digital gift cards and vouchers, and its workplace wellness programme Corporate Wellness 365, along with new business initiatives in the US and Canada.