Charlie Thompson, current head of health and beauty for Virgin Active, has been elected chair of the Spa Business Association (SpaBA), ahead of its relaunch this year.

Thompson takes over from Suki Kalirai, who stepped down from the role but will remain a board member and take on the role of honourary president.

Thompson currently oversees a portfolio of 80 spas within Virgin Active, and has previously held roles at ESPA and Anne Sémonin.

He said the spa industry had little structure to unite it outside of conferences and hoped this could change.

"With SpaBA's relaunch in 2013, we will become a central hub for the spa industry and help solve the operational issues, as well as give great value to our members through a wide variety of new projects and packages," he said.

Thompson will be supported by two new deputy chairs, Champney's Group managing director Alex De Carvalho and Lesley Bacon, group health club and spa manager for Hand Picked Hotels.

Becky Woodhouse, managing director of Pure Spa Group, will be the organisation's treasurer.