Jim Root has been elected as chair of the International Spa Association (ISPA).

Replacing Kate Mearns, Root took up his position on 9 November at the close of the ISPA’s annual conference in Las Vegas, US.

Root is the general manager of spa operations for The Spa Sea Island in Georgia, US, having previously been head of spa operations at Miraval in Arizona. He has also worked with Rancho La Puerta, Green Valley Spa, Meadowwood Napa Valley and is a graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration.

Now in its 16th year, ISPA includes over 2,500 members from 72 countries.

Root has earmarked sustainability and building a sense of community as priorities for his upcoming tenure with ISPA. Details: www.experienceispa.com