Kate Mearns, the former chair of the International Spa Association (ISPA), has been named director of spa and wellness at global management and consulting firm LIVUnLTD.

In her new role Mearns will be tasked with growing the company’s spa consulting and management division, working together with Maureen Fletcher Bankson, executive vice president of spa and wellness.

Mearns is a wellness industry veteran with more than 25 years’ experience in spa operations, marketing, product development and wellness programmes.

Her previous roles include corporate operations director for the spa division of management company WTS and she sits on the board of the Washington Spa Alliance.

“We are excited to welcome Kate to the LIVunLtd team,” said Fletcher Bankson.

“Her years of experience as a spa director and consultant enhances our 360-degree solution for spa and wellness services. Her expertise will be instrumental at every stage of our projects, including feasibility, design consulting, brand development, pre-opening and ongoing management.”

Commenting on her new role, Mearns said: “LIVunLtd places a high value on partnerships. It's apparent there is mutual respect, effective collaboration and trust – that makes a wonderful environment to promote wellness.”

LIVunLtd was created from the merger of management firm American Leisure and boutique luxury concierge company Abigail Michaels.

The company offers a “360-degree service experience” in residential and commercial properties, spas and hotels.

It currently operates a number of contemporary luxury spas, including Island Spa Catalina, Broken Sound Club and Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa in Grand Cayman.