Sue Harmsworth Announces Departure from ESPA

Sue Harmsworth founded the UK-based spa and skincare brand ESPA International 25 years ago in 1993. After bringing her business to over 70 countries across the globe and developing it as a pioneer in the spa and wellness industry, Harmsworth has announced her departure from the brand.

“After 25 years of working with ESPA International, which I founded in 1993, the time is now right for me to step away from the brand I love,” says Harmsworth. “This move will enable me to concentrate on my passions for spa, integrative medicine, health and wellbeing and to develop new partnerships and projects.”

Effective as of spring 2018, ESPA will be managed by The Hut Group (THG), who acquired the ESPA brand  from KSL Capital Partners in September 2017. A leader in health, beauty, and lifestyle brands, THG is responsible for nearly 100 different companies across the globe, including Hale Country Club and Spa, IdealFit, and SkinCare RX, among many others.

“ESPA remains a pioneer in spa, wellness, and beauty with a highly promising future poised for its next phase of evolution and growth under THG’s guidance,” says Paul Gedman, CEO of THG Beauty Brands. “At THG, we are committed to delivering best-in-class products and spa experiences that ESPA is known and loved for, and crucially, developing the brand into a true global leader.”

Despite her departure, Harmsworth will still be involved in the wellness sector through her many ongoing projects, including maintaining her positions on numerous advisory boards such as the Global Wellness Summit and Global Wellness Institute, Wellness for Cancer, Forbes, and Bench Global Events Hotel Investment.

“I would personally like to thank our amazing customers, spas and global partners and of course our team for their loyal support,” says Harmsworth. “It really has been an incredible journey.”

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