The Global Spa & Wellness Summit (GSWS) announced today (29 January) that it has appointed global tourism expert Jean-Claude Baumgarten and Mexican entrepreneur Gina Diez Barroso de Franklin to its board of directors.

Former president and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Baumgarten brings a vast amount of tourism experience to the role, having also held various executive positions during a 30-year tenure at Air France.

He is currently chairman and CEO of management consultancy CREWE Associates, and says the steady growth across the wellness industry has long been of interest to him.

“What the GSWS has achieved so far is outstanding, and I'm excited to help shape this dynamic organisation as it takes its next major steps to become one of the true global thought-leaders for the fast-growing $2 trillion global wellness industry,” he adds.

Diez Barroso de Franklin, meanwhile, has been a pioneer in real estate, design, the arts and education since creating Mexico City-based Grupo Diarq in 1990.

The CEO and president has nurtured the company from its roots as a small architecture and interior design firm to its present day incarnation of over 500 staff and nine subsidiaries, covering areas ranging from real estate and hospitality development, to publishing and creating Mexico’s University of Design, Film & Media.

Diez Barroso de Franklin believes her lack of experience in the spa and wellness industry makes the board role a “huge responsibility,” but hopes the lessons learned from a wide-ranging career can bring a fresh perspective.

She says: “I’m sure that my knowledge of creative studies and innovation can help the GSWS have a different view and aid in the development and growth of this amazing project.”

The pair join the now 14-member-strong GSWS board as it looks to build on its progress since forming seven-years ago by significantly expanding its mission and identity during 2014.

“It’s such an honour to bring two individuals with such deep – and completely unique – expertise to our organisation,” says Susie Ellis, GSWS chairman and CEO.

“These two powerful minds will be invaluable in helping us accomplish so much more for the global wellness industry over the next few years.”

The eighth annual Global Spa & Wellness Summit will be held at the Four Seasons Resort in Marrakech, Morocco from 10-12 September, 2014.

For more GSWS news stories, follow the links below:

Details revealed for 2014 Global Spa & Wellness Summit

GSWS hosts inaugural forums for key spa sub-sectors