Tamytha Cameron
Canyon Ranch, a leader in the wellness industry, on Wednesday announced the appointment of Mark Rivers as chief executive officer.
Rivers previously served as Canyon Ranch's head of resort development. As CEO, he will retain responsibilities for development and new business, according to a press release.
Mark Rivers
A former executive/principal with Solage Hotels and Resorts in Napa Valley and Mirage Resorts in Las Vegas, Rivers is the original master developer of what is now the Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club in Austin. He is also a founding partner of Sweetens Cove Golf Club and Sweetens Cove Spirits Company, two highly-acclaimed brand businesses.
"With over 25 years of experience in hospitality, real estate placemaking and brand-building, Mark brings expertise, broad perspective, and his boundless energy will be invaluable to our growth and performance,” said John Goff, chairman of Canyon Ranch, in a statement. “With an eye on refining strategy and driving innovation, I couldn't be more excited about Mark's vision. Importantly, he also has the full confidence of VICI, our growth capital partner.”
In July, the company announced a partnership with VICI Properties, Inc (NYSE: VICI) to expand the Canyon Ranch brand, which will open a Fort Worth club in The Crescent Hotel before the end of the year. According to officials, “Rivers played a pivotal role in executing this partnership.”
Founded in 1979, Canyon Ranch has become a leader in the wellness industry, providing a range of services and programs designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
In addition to Fort Worth, a second Wellness Club is scheduled to open in Houston in 2024. The Driftwood development has a planned 2025 opening. Other destinations are located in Tucson, Arizona; Lenox, Massachusetts; Woodside, California, and Las Vegas.
“For Canyon Ranch, this is our moment to expand, evolve, innovate and, to boldly contribute to a life of wellness for our guests,” Rivers related. “We have five decades of world-class expertise in the pillars of well-being, from fitness and sports performance to mental health, personal enrichment and spirituality, all poised for a future that is filled with new opportunities and experiences. I'm ready to get to work with our team to fulfill our promise and potential.”