#USA #Carrie Walsh #Spa Franchise #Trevose #Hand & Stone

Hand & Stone Welcomes Carrie Walsh as Its New CEO

In a significant move for the spa industry, Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has announced the appointment of Carrie Walsh as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1. Walsh, recognized for her expertise in the franchise sector, takes the helm as the company looks to build on its impressive reputation in the wellness space.

Hand & Stone, which recently celebrated its ranking as the top franchise in the massage and spa services arena according to the 2026 Franchise 500® by Entrepreneur, is poised for an exciting chapter under Walsh's leadership. Previous interim CEO Todd Leff will support Walsh during her transition and will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board.

Carrie Walsh boasts a robust background in leading various consumer-focused brands through pivotal transformations and growth stages. Before joining Hand & Stone, she served as Interim CEO for Subway, where she was instrumental in developing the brand's global footprint and profitability. Her experience extends to leading Subway's second-largest region, EMEA, overseeing over 6,000 franchise locations. Additionally, she held senior marketing leadership positions at industry giants including Pizza Hut and PepsiCo.

Walsh's commitment to a customer-first strategy and her track record of guiding organizations in adapting to changing market dynamics underscore her suitability for Hand & Stone. She aims to leverage her insights and experience to deepen consumer connections and enhance service offerings tailored to individual needs, especially in a time when self-care is more crucial than ever.

In expressing her enthusiasm about joining Hand & Stone, Walsh said, "I have always been drawn to brands that positively impact people's everyday lives, which is why Hand & Stone resonated with me immediately. With a dedicated membership, an enthusiastic network of franchise owners, and a strong reputation for relaxation, I am eager to join the team and help bolster our franchise owners' success while leading Hand & Stone in wellness."

Under Walsh’s direction, Hand & Stone will emphasize amplifying value for its members while striving for excellence across all spa locations, both franchise-owned and corporate. The brand has already achieved record membership levels and sales figures that surpass industry averages, making it an opportune time for Walsh to step in and harness this momentum for future growth.

Todd Leff, Chairman of the Board, praised Walsh’s unique combination of operational acumen and marketing prowess, expressing confidence that she is well-positioned to elevate the brand further.

As Walsh prepares to integrate into her new role, exciting times lie ahead for Hand & Stone and its stakeholders. The growing demand for wellness services continues to shape the market, and with Walsh's leadership, the company is prepared to not only meet but exceed the expectations of its clientele.

For more information about Hand & Stone and its extensive range of services, visit Hand & Stone's website or follow the brand on Instagram (@handandstoneusa).

About Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

Hand & Stone operates over 650 massage and facial spa franchises, aiming to deliver professional and affordable spa services to a broad market. Established in 2004, the company has expanded its reach across 36 states and Canada, offering a comprehensive menu tailored to the wellness needs of its customers. With its skilled staff and premium products from renowned brands like Dermalogica and IMAGE Skincare, Hand & Stone consistently ranks among the fastest-growing wellness franchises in the nation, a distinction it has held multiple times, including in 2026, 2025, 2023, 2021, and 2020.