Canyon Ranch named Mark Rivers as its new CEO, the wellness resort company announced Wednesday.
Rivers succeeds Jeff Kuster, who has been CEO of the company since 2020. Canyon Ranch did not respond to a Hotel Dive inquiry about Kuster’s future plans.
Rivers was previously Canyon Ranch’s head of resort development, and he will retain his development-related responsibilities as CEO.
Before joining Canyon Ranch, Rivers was an executive and principal with Napa Valley-based Solage Hotels and Resorts and Mirage Resorts in Las Vegas. He was also master developer of the Driftwood Golf and Ranch Club in Austin, Texas, as well as a founding partner of Sweetens Cove Golf Club and Sweetens Cove Spirits Company.
Rivers’ appointment comes on the heels of the brand’s partnership with VICI Properties, which is fueling an expansion for Canyon Ranch resorts in Texas and beyond. In July, VICI invested $150 million to expand the brand into new “major urban markets,” including Houston, Austin and the booming development market of Fort Worth.
According to the announcement, Rivers played a “pivotal role” in executing the partnership with VICI. John Goff, chairman of Canyon Ranch, said Rivers has “the full confidence of VICI.”
"This is our moment to expand, evolve, innovate and to boldly contribute to a life of wellness for our guests," Rivers said in a statement.
Canyon Ranch plans to open its first Canyon Ranch Wellness Club at the Crescent Hotel in Fort Worth later this year, and another in Houston in 2024. The company is also developing a combination resort and residential community in Austin, slated to open in 2025.
