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CG Funk played a key role in the massive expansion of US-based Massage Envy
CG Funk – the former vice president of product development for US-based franchise Massage Envy – has joined the board of The Massage Company – a UK-based franchise venture. She’ll help drive the company’s growth in the UK by consulting with the company on training and franchise systems.
Launched in 2016 by Charlie Thompson – the current UK Spa Association chair, who has also worked for QHotels and Virgin Active – and Elliot Walker, former managing director of Murad, The Massage Company offers a simple selection of four massage treatments: deep tissue, sports, Swedish and maternity.
Funk is a 25-year spa industry veteran and played a key role in the massive expansion of US-based Massage Envy, working with a team that grew the brand from 30 franchised locations to more than 1,100.
“I knew I could bring valuable insights and expertise to support The Massage Company’s growth and sustainability,” says Funk. “The Massage Company is the first franchise massage model to market in the UK, which gives them a unique and positive opportunity to grow faster than average with the lack of competitors. The UK market is currently an open playing field for The Massage Company model, which is a huge opportunity for quick expansion.”
Funk says she appreciates The Massage Company’s focus on training and education, its “tightened-down” sales process, and Thompson and Walker’s hands-on approach.
Thompson says he knew when he first met her that Funk was someone he wanted to work with. “Directing multi-site spa operations is my background, but we have a huge learning curve in both membership-based subscription services and franchising,” says Thompson. “We know CG brings solid credibility as we bring both new franchisees and properties into discussions.”
Funk says Massage Envy grew so substantially because the team spent time teaching consumers and franchisees the benefits of regular massage.
“We did this through an affordable membership programme and great marketing,” says Funk. “At the end of the day, it’s truly about helping the average consumer understand why these services are so important to their overall wellness, and helping franchisees understand the solid business opportunities the brand gives.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Anne Semonin
Katherine Connolly, newly appointed global
director of retail and spa operations at Anne
Semonin, discusses her plans for the brand
Promotional feature: Thalion
Thalion is the first company to develop highly
specialised mineral therapies for clients, says
training manager Sophie Alemany
Research: Finishing touch
A new study shows that massage can
help muscle re-growth after an injury –
even when applied to the opposite limb
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative
engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly
designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
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CG Funk played a key role in the massive expansion of US-based Massage Envy
CG Funk – the former vice president of product development for US-based franchise Massage Envy – has joined the board of The Massage Company – a UK-based franchise venture. She’ll help drive the company’s growth in the UK by consulting with the company on training and franchise systems.
Launched in 2016 by Charlie Thompson – the current UK Spa Association chair, who has also worked for QHotels and Virgin Active – and Elliot Walker, former managing director of Murad, The Massage Company offers a simple selection of four massage treatments: deep tissue, sports, Swedish and maternity.
Funk is a 25-year spa industry veteran and played a key role in the massive expansion of US-based Massage Envy, working with a team that grew the brand from 30 franchised locations to more than 1,100.
“I knew I could bring valuable insights and expertise to support The Massage Company’s growth and sustainability,” says Funk. “The Massage Company is the first franchise massage model to market in the UK, which gives them a unique and positive opportunity to grow faster than average with the lack of competitors. The UK market is currently an open playing field for The Massage Company model, which is a huge opportunity for quick expansion.”
Funk says she appreciates The Massage Company’s focus on training and education, its “tightened-down” sales process, and Thompson and Walker’s hands-on approach.
Thompson says he knew when he first met her that Funk was someone he wanted to work with. “Directing multi-site spa operations is my background, but we have a huge learning curve in both membership-based subscription services and franchising,” says Thompson. “We know CG brings solid credibility as we bring both new franchisees and properties into discussions.”
Funk says Massage Envy grew so substantially because the team spent time teaching consumers and franchisees the benefits of regular massage.
“We did this through an affordable membership programme and great marketing,” says Funk. “At the end of the day, it’s truly about helping the average consumer understand why these services are so important to their overall wellness, and helping franchisees understand the solid business opportunities the brand gives.”
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Promotional feature: Anne Semonin
Katherine Connolly, newly appointed global
director of retail and spa operations at Anne
Semonin, discusses her plans for the brand
Promotional feature: Thalion
Thalion is the first company to develop highly
specialised mineral therapies for clients, says
training manager Sophie Alemany
Research: Finishing touch
A new study shows that massage can
help muscle re-growth after an injury –
even when applied to the opposite limb
Bel Hotel Oléron Thalasso and Spa, MGallery Collection has opened on the French island Île
d'Oléron off the country’s western coast with a 27-treatment-room spa.
Manipulating the gut microbiome could become a powerful tool for preserving brain health and
resilience as people age, according to research led by Professor Paola Tognini, a neuroscientist
at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in Pisa, Italy.
Jessica Sloyan, a wellness operations and training expert, has established an independent
private training academy to provide professional qualifications for practitioners looking to offer
immersive wellness experiences.
The International Spa Association (ISPA) has published its full 2026 US Spa Industry Study,
providing further insights into the region’s total US$1 billion (€855 million, £780 million)
industry revenue increase from 2024 to 2025.
Ameyalli, the 78-acre wellbeing resort and residential community in Midway in Utah, US, has
broken ground on phase two of the hot spring development – the Ameyalli Resort and Spa –
which is due to open in 2028.
TLee Spas and Wellness has revealed the design concept for a high-tech spa with body
mapping scanners to improve public health, for AI company Midjourney.
Gran Hotel Taoro in northern Tenerife, Spain, has completed the final phase of its three-year
renovation with the debut of its Sandára Wellness Centre.
Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa, the spa business with more than 650 locations across
the US and Canada, has appointed franchise expert Carrie Walsh as CEO as the company plans
to expand.
Synergy – The Retreat Show, the global trade show for retreats, has launched a global research
initiative that will provide insights into the retreat sector from both consumer and industry
perspectives.
The MSpa Oslo series is a perennial bestseller in global markets. With innovative
engineering and premium performance, this completely portable spa line-up is expertly
designed to meet the needs of customers worldwide. [more...]
In the fast-paced world of fitness and wellness, where high-intensity workouts push us to
our limits and the sweat pours, the importance of efficient recovery cannot be overstated. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Trybe Trybe was founded back in 2020, and the past five years has seen Trybe become the fastest growing al [more...]
