Massage Envy Continues to Build Global Momentum with New Executive Hire

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Oct 15, 2015, 08:30 ET

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Massage Envy, the pioneer and largest national franchisor of massage therapy and skincare services, announced today it has expanded its leadership team by adding Lee Knowlton to serve as senior vice president of the company's global franchise sales and international division. Knowlton brings more than 25 years of strategic planning and international development experience, and will focus on accelerating domestic growth and positioning the brand for international expansion.

"I am thrilled to have Lee join our executive team as he will play a critical role in driving Massage Envy's new business development here in the U.S. and abroad," said Dave Crisalli, president and chief executive officer for Massage Envy. "Lee's vast experience and global connections will help us deepen our focus on growing the brand strategically and our innovative approaches to provide total body care for members and guests around the world."

Knowlton was most recently the president and chief executive officer of Fun Brands, LLC (Pump It Up, BounceU and Fun Brands Carousels), and has served as the chief operating officer for the Kahala Corporation where he was responsible for overseeing all domestic and international operations for the 12 brands, a 3,100 plus unit company with sales of over $1 billion. While at Kahala, he also served as the president of international and new business development. During that time he opened over 100 new international locations in 20 countries. Recognized as an industry business leader, in 2008 he was awarded the International Power Player Award by the Phoenix Business Journal.

This hire comes on the heels of a significant growth milestone for Massage Envy with the opening of its 1,100^th location. This milestone puts Massage Envy in an elite category of franchise businesses and marks the first-ever for a massage therapy franchise brand. The 1,100th location in Southbury, CT is one of 49 new clinics that have opened this year to date. Massage Envy is also on track to open 38 additional locations by the end of this year.

As part of its growth strategy the company continues to look for qualified candidates for franchise opportunities in multiple regions who have the ability and desire to learn and follow a system that values customer service and satisfaction. Franchisee candidates should have business sales or management experience, but do not necessarily need to have a massage therapy or spa operations background.

Those interested in exploring Massage Envy franchising opportunities may visit Massage Envy's franchising website at MassageEnvyFranchise.com, then select "Request Info".

About Massage Envy
Massage Envy, based in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a national franchisor, and through its franchised locations, is the leading provider of therapeutic massage and skincare services in the United States. The national franchise is dedicated to providing professional and affordable therapeutic massage and skincare services to members and guests with busy lifestyles at convenient times and locations. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy has more than 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states and 1.65 million members. In addition, the average unit volume for a franchise location is $1.35 million. Through its national partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, Massage Envy has raised more than $3 million in four, one-day Healing Hands for Arthritis events. The company was recently ranked #1 Best Franchise with an initial investment of $500,001 and up by Forbes, #79 in Franchise Time's Top 200, #51 in Entrepreneur's 2014 Franchise 500 and #27 in its Fastest Growing Franchise rankings. Massage Envy is a member of the International Franchise Association (IFA) and was named a 2013 Military Friendly Franchise. For more information, visit MassageEnvy.com.

SOURCE Massage Envy