Marriott International is ushering in a new chapter for its wellness division with the appointment of Suzanne Holbrook as global leader of spa, fitness and wellness operations.

With more than 40 years of experience in the spa and wellness industry, Holbrook has spent the past 13 years as senior corporate director of spa operations for Marriott and The Ritz-Carlton, overseeing a portfolio of 160 global hotel and resort spas.

Her career began as a hairstylist, successfully running her own salon business for eight years before transitioning into the broader wellness sector. Holbrook later joined Steiner, where she honed her leadership skills over a six-year tenure before moving to The Ritz-Carlton Puerto Rico in 2000 as executive spa director. There, her strategic vision and operational expertise significantly enhanced the spa’s performance, catching the attention of Marriott’s corporate leadership.

Holbrook went on to launch another Marriott spa in Atlanta before leading the opening and management of the 40-room spa at The Ritz-Carlton Orlando. During her nine-year tenure, she refined the guest experience and drove business growth, solidifying her reputation as a leader in luxury spa operations.

In her new role, Holbrook will spearhead innovative wellness initiatives and advance Marriott’s global spa, fitness and wellness strategies to meet the evolving needs of modern travellers.

“At Marriott, we believe in the transformative power of travel and are committed to providing unparalleled guest experiences," she said. "I’m honoured to join a team that prioritises guest-, associate- and owner satisfaction and strives for global excellence.

“On a personal note, this journey has been incredibly rewarding. I’m deeply grateful for the support and encouragement from my amazing family, mentors, friends, colleagues and my dear spa family. Your belief in me has been a driving force, and I look forward to making a positive impact in this new role.”