Elements Massage® Appoints First-Ever “Chief Wellness Officer”

Renowned Massage Industry Expert Eric Stephenson Will Implement Culture and Education Programs for the Brand Nationwide

Englewood, CO – Elements Massage®, one of the nation’s fastest growing therapeutic massage franchises, is pleased to announce the hiring of Eric Stephenson as the brand’s first-ever “Chief Wellness Officer.” Stephenson brings 20 years of massage industry experience to Elements, where he will work closely with the brand’s 240 plus studios to implement system-wide continuing education and culture programs.

“Elements is the first national massage franchise brand to create the role of Chief Wellness Officer,” said Jeremy Morgan, CEO of Elements Massage. “We created this role to demonstrate our commitment to building an industry-leading culture and creating a world-class experience for all Elements’ studio members and their massage therapists. We’re thrilled that Eric has joined our team.  As a Licensed Massage Therapist, Eric’s industry experience will be invaluable as we continue to grow the Element’s brand.”

Previously, Stephenson was a co-founder of imassage, Inc., a Florida-based education and consulting company dedicated to improving the careers of massage therapists and spa practitioners through customized programs focused on preventing injury and workers’ compensation claims.  In this role, Stephenson counseled some of the biggest names in the industry, including the Wynn/Encore Las Vegas, Kamalaya Thailand, Sandals Resorts and Spas, Grove Park Inn Asheville, Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa and Starwood Hotels & Resorts.  Concurrently, Stephenson also worked closely with Elements Massage to develop “The Elements Way,” a series of experiential standards implemented within studios that resulted in a best-in-class 2017 Net Promoter Score comparable to leading consumer brands like Apple, Amazon and the Ritz-Carlton.

Stephenson will bring his trademark leadership approach to Elements Massage, helping studios create best-in-class culture and guest experiences. “We will continue to strengthen our recognition of being the ‘Employer of Choice’ in the industry by focusing on massage therapists’ health and career longevity, continued education and interpersonal skills. We believe in supporting our franchisees in their efforts to take excellent care of their massage therapists, so, in turn, they will take excellent care of clients,” remarked Stephenson. “This personalized, customized approach to all aspects of massage is what sets Elements apart.”

In addition to Stephenson’s internal responsibilities, he will also serve as a spokesperson for the brand, providing commentary and research surrounding a multitude of topics reinforcing the health and wellness benefits of massage.

“Research shows that massage can be an integral piece of one’s wellness regime- alongside diet and exercise,” said Stephenson. “It is my mission to enlighten and educate others on all of the positive impacts massage can have on daily life.”

Stephenson also serves on the Board of Directors for the International Spa Association (ISPA). He has been instrumental in positioning massage as a viable career path worldwide and in emerging countries such as India, where he was recently a keynote presenter at the “Health Professions of India Conference.”