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
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Research: Finishing touch
A new study shows that massage can
help muscle re-growth after an injury –
even when applied to the opposite limb
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...]
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [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
Global Wellness Day (GWD) marked its 15th anniversary on Saturday 13 June 2026, with the
theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
that spark joy.
Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
HUM2N, to launch a clinic at Six Senses London, at The Whiteley.
As part of its first hotel partnership, Mayrlife – the medical health resort company known for its
site in Altaussee, Austria – has launched a day clinic at the Rosewood Vienna.
Premium London health club, KX Chelsea, will imminently unveil its most significant
redevelopment since its launch in 2002 to create an integrated wellness model combining
training, recovery and relaxation.
Rosewood Le Guanahani St Barth, on the northeast coast of Saint Barthélemy in the French
West Indies, is offering a programme of ocean-inspired yoga classes between 8-14 June to
celebrate Global Wellness Day (GWD).
Hotel de France, located on the British Isle of Jersey, has created a wellness retreat package
that includes a hot yoga session that will take place in Jersey Zoo’s butterfly sanctuary.
The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi, in Malaysia, has revealed a schedule for Global Wellness Day
(GWD) that includes guided rainforest walks, mindful movement and guided coastal meditation
experiences.
Longevitix, a clinical platform for preventive and longevity medicine, has launched its AI-
powered intelligence system to help physicians deliver continuous, personalised longevity-
focused care at scale.
Atmantan Wellness Centre, an integrative wellness destination in Mulshi, near Pune in India, is
expanding its portfolio by adding a new centre in Hyderabad that will launch between 2028 and
2029.
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...]
The Spa Life UK Convention returns from 21–23 June 2026 at Whittlebury Park Hotel, Spa &
Golf Resort, bringing together spa managers, directors and owners for two days of focused
education, meaningful connection and commercial insight. [more...]
+ More featured suppliers
COMPANY PROFILES
Bellezi Founded in 2009 as a Dutch family business, Bellezi brings more than 20 years of experience in treat [more...]
