Glasgow, 23 January 2008: International spa design and consultancy specialists, Spa Developments, has appointed Brian Hunter as Managing Director. Brian joined the company as a partner in February 2007.

Chairman of the Georgeson Group, of which Spa Developments is a part, Alan Georgeson, said: “Brian has made a tremendous impact on the business since he joined last year from Starwood. We are currently planning and creating spas around the world, and Brian will play a pivotal role in driving that business forward. He is very well respected in the industry worldwide and has a wealth of experience in creating and operating top spas at the highest level.”

“2008 will be a huge year for Spa Developments, with plans to locate another consulting office and studio in Edinburgh and build on our success in London, Dubai and New York”, said Brian Hunter.

“We are developing further avenues of growth, with the aim of building Spa Developments into the most respected global spa design and consultancy in the world in the next 2-3 years. There are tremendous opportunities for the company, for instance in the Middle East where it is predicted that around US$3 trillion will be invested in tourism and infrastructure in the next 20 years. By 2015 it is predicted that the United Arab Emirates will be amongst the top spa destinations in the world, with an estimated 200 hotels offering world class facilities.”

Brian Hunter was General Manager at the renowned One Spa at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh, which he opened in September 2001, and where he was instrumental in leading the spa to international award-winning success. His former roles include General Manager of Champneys in London and Sport & Spa Director at the Pacific Club in Hong Kong.

For further information call +44 141 882 7575 or visit www.spadevelopments.com or www.thespaacademy.co.uk

Notes to editors:
1. Since launching in 2002, Spa Developments has grown an international client base. The company offers a unique combination of business consultancy and interior design services for businesses developing spas. Services range from planning and feasibility, interior design and operational management and clients include Starwood Hotels, Jumeirah Group, De Vere Deluxe Hotels, Principal Hotels, Jury’s Doyle, Radisson SAS and Royal Caribbean Cruises
2. The Spa Academy is part of Spa Developments and is a purpose built training venue with treatment rooms, seminar/ lecture rooms and product exhibition space. The Spa Academy runs a series of programmes, modules and workshops for individuals to develop within the spa industry and further their spa and wellbeing knowledge.
3. High-resolution images of John Patience and Brian Hunter are available.

For further press information contact:
Robyn Glynne-Percy
Profile Plus
0131 554 6111
rgp@profileplus.co.uk