The International Spa Association (ISPA) has announced Michael Tompkins – managing director and executive recruiter at Hutchinson Consulting: An Arch Amenities Group company – as its 2024 ISPA Visionary Award winner.

The accolade is presented each year to someone in the spa industry who has made significant contributions to both the definition and positive movement of health and wellness over the lifetime of their career.

Tompkins will accept the award at the 32nd annual ISPA Conference, due to be hosted at the Phoenix Convention Center from 23-25 April 2024.

Combining healthcare, hospitality and spa business knowledge with a vast network of industry peers and former colleagues, Tompkins has led teams to success in a career spanning more than two decades and encompassing several industries.

Prior to his work with Hutchinson Consulting, his career has included leadership roles with acclaimed spas and wellness brands including Canyon Ranch; Turning Stone Resort; Skana Spa; Miraval Resorts (where he served as CEO); Hilton Head Health and its rebranded Indigo Spa; and PALM Health.

In his current role, Tompkins and his team at Arch recently launched Wage Insights, a proprietary survey and salary benchmarking tool.

In collaboration with other spa industry leaders, Tompkins also conceived the philanthropic nonprofit art event St.ART in St. Louis in 2018. The collection – valued at more than US$1m (€911,000, £787,000) – was later donated by Tompkins to a St. Louis inner-city non-profit aiming to bridge socio-economic gaps in the region.

“It’s been a thrill to work with the best, most qualified talent in the industry to build engaged teams and fortify careers,” he said.

“I’m deeply honoured and humbled to receive this award from my esteemed colleagues. Throughout my career in hospitality, ISPA has remained a constant source of inspiration and support.”

Lynne McNees, president of ISPA, recognised Tompkins for his widespread influence.

“Michael is the true model of a visionary leader,” she said. “His skills as a strategist and his dedication to building consensus and creating partnerships have been the core of his service to the spa industry. ISPA looks to Michael as a mentor, and we’re so pleased to honour him for his far-sighted and inspired leadership.”