Himalayan salt products supplier Saltability has named Diane Trieste – a former member of the company’s advisory board – to the new position of vice president of business development.

“I’m honoured and blessed to be able to work with CEO Ann Brown and the Saltability team,” Trieste said. “I’ve been using Himalayan salts since 1991 due to their therapeutic benefits. I’m a big believer in the natural parallels that these salts have to complement and assist in balancing the health integrity within the human body.”

A former sports massage therapist who worked with Team USA Track & Field athletes at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, as well as with gymnast and gold medalist Kerri Strug at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Trieste also has extensive experience in the spa industry.

She worked for 13 years at destination spa Canyon Ranch, where she was a member of the development team responsible for startup design, functionality and operations for multi-site operations, including Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Venetian, Canyon Ranch SpaClub at the Gaylord Palms, Canyon Ranch SpaClub onboard the Queen Mary 2 and Canyon Ranch Living facilities. She was also the project manager responsible for the launch of Canyon Ranch products.

A past member of the International Spa Association board of directors, Trieste also served as vice president of employer and alumni relations for Cortiva Education, a massage education company, and as director of Shankara Ayurveda Spa, a 30-room boutique hotel and Ayurvedic wellness centre. In 2008, she became the principal of Spa Mojo, a health, wellness and spa consulting practice.

“Diane’s depth of development and industry experience will be invaluable to the Saltability team,” said Ann Brown, Saltability CEO. “Her industry knowledge is incredible, and she’s well versed in design, trending and high-end concepts. I look forward to working with her as we continue growing the business and developing new products that better serve our clients.”

Brown said that Trieste’s knowledge of eco-friendly building, equipment and operational practices — including energy efficiency, organic/fair trade products, supplies and services — makes her an excellent fit for Saltability.

“Sustainability is a hallmark of the Saltability mission, and I know Diane shares that focus,” Brown said.

In addition to her roles at Saltability and Spa Mojo, Trieste serves on the startup executive team of the energy efficiency company Redfeather Green Energy.

Last month, Saltability named educator, massage therapist and spa industry veteran Eric Stephenson as national educator.