Hand & Stone names Carrie Walsh as new CEO

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has a new top executive.

The franchise announced that it has appointed Carrie Walsh as its new chief executive officer in a move that is effective July 1. Todd Jeff, who has served as interim CEO and chairman will assist in the transition while retaining his position as chairman of the board.

Walsh most recently served as interim CEO of Subway and was responsible for continued development, profitability and expansion of the brand globally, Hand & Stone said. The executive also held the position of president of Subway Europe, Middle East and Africa, overseeing more than 6,000 franchise locations. She also previously held the role of global chief marketing Officer for Subway and has held eadership positions Pizza Hut, PepsiCo, and Michaels.

“I’ve always been drawn to brands that have a positive impact on people’s everyday lives, which is one of the many reasons Hand & Stone immediately resonated with me,” said Walsh. “The brand has built something truly special, with a loyal membership base, a dedicated network of franchise owners and a strong reputation as a trusted destination for relaxation. I’m honored to join the team and look forward to supporting our franchise owners’ continued success while building on Hand & Stone’s leadership in wellness at a time when stress relief and self-care are more important than ever.”

Hand & Stone is a more than 650-unit massage and facial spa franchise with locations across 36 states and Canada. The brand recently launched a new market development incentive for potential multi-unit franchisees in the Boston, Southern California, and San Francisco Bay Area markets.

Regarding Walsh’s appointment, Leff said, “Carrie brings an impressive combination of brand-building expertise, operational leadership and experience in leading brands through digital transformation.”

“The Board and executive team are confident she is the right leader to help take the brand to new heights.”