Investment advisor Omer K Isvan, Gwinganna owner Tony de Leede, and spa entrepreneur Yoriko Soma have all joined the Global Wellness Summit’s advisory board.
“I’m thrilled to welcome each of these new advisory board members – all of whom bring powerful expertise and a crucial regional perspective on the sectors that make up the global wellness industry,” said Susie Ellis, chair of the Global Wellness Summit. “With these appointments, the Summit expands its representation in Asia, Australia, Europe and the Middle East.
Isvan is president of Turkey-based Servotel Corporation, and adviser in the investment and development of hotels, resorts and integrated mixed-use developments worldwide. His career spans 30 years, and he’s worked on projects in more than 40 countries.
“I look forward to working closely with members of this pioneering board, and furthering the development of the Global Wellness Summit by bringing to it my experience of integrating wellness into travel, hospitality and real estate development,” said Isvan.
In addition to Gwinganna, de Leede built Australia’s Fitness First health club chain, and is also owner of surf wellness brand Komune.
“Having been involved in the fitness business for nearly forty years and more directly in the wellness/spa business for the last twelve, I hope to bring a fresh perspective on how the two industries are becoming more intertwined,” said de Leede. “Being part of a board whose sole focus is to introduce more people to the benefits of health, fitness and wellness is an honour.”
Soma began her career at the Boston Consulting Group in Hong Kong, focusing on the luxury consumer market, and has participated in multiple resort, destination and day spa projects in Asia. She now runs a major investment fund for Asian spa and wellness businesses.
“The wellness market in Asia is the fastest-growing globally, and I’m thrilled to be part of the Summit’s advisory board to provide guidance and insight on the Pan-Asian and Japanese wellness industries,” said Soma. “This appointment is made more gratifying by the fact that I’ve participated in each and every GWS since the inaugural event held in New York in 2007.”
The three new members are part of a 13-person advisory board to the Summit that includes Susie Ellis; Pete Ellis, founder and chair emeritus, Global Wellness Summit; Anna Bjurstam, vice president of spas and wellness, Six Senses Resorts Hotels Spas; Dr Marc Cohen, professor, RMIT University, Australia; Gina Diez Barroso de Franklin, president and CEO, Grupo Diarq; Andrew Gibson, vice president of wellbeing, Accor Luxury; Susan Harmsworth, founder and chair, ESPA International; Mia Kyricos, president and founder, Kyricos & Associates; Dr Franz Linser, CEO, Linser Hospitality; and professor Mary Tabacchi, professor emerita, Cornell University School of Hotel Administration.
