Spa and wellness consultancy Raison d’Etre has appointed Anna-Cari Gund – president of global association for beauty and spa therapist accreditation CIDESCO International – as managing director.

Swedish-born Gund has more than 30 years’ experience in the spa and beauty industry and has lectured time and time again at beauty and spa therapy schools. For nearly 15 years, Gund also managed Yrkeshögskolan för Hudvård & Spa – a leading beauty and spa therapy school in Sweden.

After eight years as VP of CIDESCO, Gund was elected president in October 2012 and now represents the organisation – which provides guidance to more than 250 beauty therapy schools around the world.

At Raison d’Etre, Gund will be focused on further developing the company’s educational platforms, spa management programmes and enhancing the brand’s advanced beauty concept. As the company expands its offering in spa, wellness and fitness sectors, Gund will be leading the launch of the LivNordic spa concept that will be rolled out to several spas during 2015.

“Anna-Cari brings a unique set of skills to Raison d’Etre, with her expertise in education, product distribution and advanced beauty therapy knowledge,” said Anna Bjurstam, partner of Raison d’Etre – speaking exclusively to Spa Opportunities. “We welcome her steady leadership, which we will need during our upcoming expansion of our LivNordic brand, education and consultancy services. With Anna-Cari at the helm, we see a bright future ahead.”

Gund told Spa Opportunities:"Thanks to my 30 years of industry experience, I will have the opportunity to lead Raison d'Etre's team and educational platforms by inspiring each individual to achieve their potential.

"This will strengthen Raison d'Etre's position as the most preferred international spa company."