Nikos Kouremenos, area spa director for Raison d’Etre, is set to hand over spa operations of Soma Bay Thalasso & Spa in Egypt as he moves to take charge of the spa consultancy’s spa business education division.

Speaking to Spa Opportunities, Kouremenos outlined how he will still oversee some projects in Egypt – including an upcoming renovation at Soma Bay – but will also focus on growing and developing Raison d’Etre’s education portfolio.

Kouremenos said: “I will be in charge of the online spa management programme, which we are looking to develop further. Josefin Rooth, education and special projects manager, was running this programme until now and she will be taking on more project management while also rolling out our LivNordic brand.

“I have been involved in training and education in the wellness/ fitness/ sports industry since 1996, when I first started my own consulting and training company,” added Kouremenos. “At this company I worked with top organisations in health and fitness, as well as for the Olympic Games and hospitality education institutes.”

“I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for education, training and development to Raison d’Etre’s excellent programme, and to enhance it.

He continued: “I am still going to be active as a project manager as I feel it is important when you teach or train not to step away from the operation – as that is what it’s about. Otherwise, you run the risk of being too theoretical in your teaching.

“I know there is a tremendous need for well educated staff in the spa industry and I know Raison d’Etre can play an increasingly major role worldwide.”

An example of a project Kouremenos is managing in Cairo is a 2,500sq m (26,910sq ft) spa within a residential area – housing 3,500 high-end villas, sports and recreation facilities as well as various dining outlets. Owned by an Egyptian real estate developer, Raison d’Etre is in charge of the design, consultancy, pre-opening and management contract. This site is expected to open in September.