TREVOSE, Pa., -- Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, a massage and facial franchise, announced the appointment of Carrie Walsh as its new Chief Executive Officer.The appointment is effective July 1. Interim CEO and Chairman Todd Leff will assist Walsh during her transition and remain to serve as Chairman of the Board.
"Carrie brings an impressive combination of brand-building expertise, operational leadership and experience in leading brands through digital transformation," said Leff. "The Board and executive team are confident she is the right leader to help take the brand to new heights."
Walsh joins the company at a time when Hand & Stone is positioning itself as the No. 1 franchise in massage and spa services. She brings extensive experience as a leader in consumer and franchise brands as the go through periods of transition and growth. She most recently served as Interim Chief Executive Officer of Subway. She was responsible for the continued development, expansion and profitability of the company globally. Walsh also led Subway's second largest region as President of Subway Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), where she oversaw more than 6,000 franchise locations.
Throughout her career, Walsh held senior marketing leadership positions across several recognized brands, including Pizza Hut, PepsiCo and Michaels. She is known for her customer-first approach and ability to lead organizations through change. She helped some of the most recognizable brands strengthen their businesses and deepen connections with consumers by evolving product and service offerings, modernizing digital and store experiences, and transforming marketing and communications.
"I've always been drawn to brands that have a positive impact on people's everyday lives, which is one of the many reasons Hand & Stone immediately resonated with me," said Walsh. "The brand has built something truly special, with a loyal membership base, a dedicated network of franchise owners and a strong reputation as a trusted destination for relaxation. I'm honored to join the team and look forward to supporting our franchise owners' continued success while building on Hand & Stone's leadership in wellness at a time when stress relief and self-care are more important than ever."
Membership levels at Hand & Stone have reached all-time highs, systemwide sales continue to outpace the industry, and consumer demand for wellness and self-care remains strong. Under Walsh's leadership, the company will build on its growth momentum by focusing on enhancing value for members and advancing service excellence across both franchised and corporate-owned spas.
