Hand & Stone Names Carrie Walsh Chief Executive

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa has appointed Carrie Walsh as chief executive officer, effective July 1. Walsh joins the spa franchise as it holds the No. 1 position in Entrepreneur’s 2026 Franchise 500 ranking for massage and spa services. Todd Leff will support Walsh’s transition after serving as interim CEO and will remain chairman of the board. The company operates more than 650 massage and facial spa locations across 36 states and Canada.

Leadership Experience

Walsh most recently served as interim chief executive officer of Subway, where she was responsible for the brand’s development, profitability and global expansion. She previously led Subway’s Europe, Middle East and Africa region, overseeing more than 6,000 franchise locations, and also served as its global chief marketing officer.

Her prior senior marketing roles have included positions at Pizza Hut, PepsiCo and Michaels.

Carrie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, said:

“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. 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.”

Focus On Spa Network

Hand & Stone said its membership levels have reached all-time highs and its systemwide sales continue to outpace the industry. The company plans to focus on member value and service standards across franchised and corporate-owned spas under Walsh’s leadership.

Todd Leff, Chairman at Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, 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.”

A New Chapter

Launched in 2004, Hand & Stone offers massage and skincare services for women, men and teens. Its facial treatments are performed by licensed estheticians and use products including Dermalogica and IMAGE Skincare. More information is available at www.handandstone.com.