Following approval to build a £250 million wellbeing resort in Manchester, Therme Group has announced the leadership team appointed to support the project and future plans for UK growth.
The global wellbeing organisation’s unique city-based resort concept has proven highly successful in Europe for more than 20 years, with the new team now set to develop an elevated model across the UK.
The roll out will create over 3,000 jobs and represents a major investment into the health and wellbeing of the population. Combining nature, sustainable technology and culture, Therme Group resorts offer a fun and relaxing experience that also focus on mental and physical health.
The UK team is committed to delivering on Therme Group’s vision of ‘wellbeing for all’ and includes Stelian Iacob, Adrian Ion, Anne-Marie Garner, Duncan Newbury, Richard Land and James Mark.
Taking the role of CEO in the UK is Stelian Iacob. Also Senior VP of Therme Group globally, Stelian was instrumental in developing the Therme concept throughout Europe. Under his leadership, the accessible and inclusive experience has become an essential part of daily life, benefitting community mental and physical health.
Adrian Ion has been appointed as VP of Corporate Finance and CFO; joining with broad experience in corporate and operational finance, his previous role was at Ares Management, serving as Finance Director of a $4bn diversified European real estate investment platform.
Joining as VP of Legal and Corporate Governance is Anne-Marie Garner, who has over 20 years’ experience as General Counsel. Anne-Marie’s previous roles include Legal Director at Johnson Matthey Plc and General Counsel & Company Secretary at Raspberry Pi.
Duncan Newbury will also join the UK team as VP of Brand Strategy and Marketing Director. A marketer with a background in sports, leisure, media, events and travel, Duncan has experience working with major venues and developing popular leisure and entertainment propositions.
Responsible for Therme Group UK projects from inception through to development and operation, will be Chief Development Officer, Richard Land. With an engineering background working for global engineering consultancies Arup and WSP, Richard went on to work with a pan European real estate fund before founding his own consultancy company, delivering engineering and development management services.
Completing the team is James Mark, bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge to his role as Chief Operating Officer. Responsible for the strategic planning and tactical implementation of the UK operations, James has over 25 years’ experience working with many of the UK’s flagship venues. As a former Executive Director of ExCeL London, James held P&L responsibility for both commercial and operational divisions, overseeing ExCeL’s participation in the 2012 London Olympic & Paralympic Games.
Speaking on the formation of the leadership team, Dr Robert Hanea, Chairman and CEO of Therme Group, commented:
“The exceptional UK leadership team will drive the rapid development of our UK projects. The team, each an expert in his or her field, are united in delivering Therme Group’s vision of ‘wellbeing for all’. Their work will see this realised in projects which bring profound benefits to the health and wellbeing of communities throughout the country.”
Therme Group is rolling out a global development programme, with 14 large-scale projects in the portfolio around the world. Over 10 are in the final stages of development and four are operating in Europe using the Therme Group wellbeing concept, philosophy and technology.
Therme Manchester, scheduled to open in 2023, will be a major economic driver for the Greater Manchester area and is forecast to be the world’s largest all-season water-based attraction. The group has recently revealed further UK plans for projects in London, Scotland and Wales.
All Therme Group resorts share the vision of ‘wellbeing for all’, employing sustainable technology to provide inclusive and affordable health and wellbeing opportunities to communities worldwide.