Miraval Group, a joint venture of an affiliate of KSL Capital Partners LLC and Revolution Places, today announced the appointment of Steven A. Rudnitsky as president & chief executive officer to lead the global expansion of the company's luxury resort, spa and wellness portfolio.

He also will support the growth of ESPA International Ltd., a United Kingdom-based company affiliated with KSL Capital Partners that focuses on upscale spas and skin-care products, working in collaboration with Michael Harmsworth, ESPA CEO, and Susan Harmsworth, founder.

"Steve Rudnitsky will marshal the resources needed to capitalize and grow the portfolios of both Miraval and ESPA," said Michael Shannon, Miraval Group chairman of the board and a founder of KSL Capital Partners. "He initially will concentrate on developing Miraval resorts and spas as well as ESPA spas and product sales throughout the United States."

During his 35-year career, Rudnitsky held leadership positions with Dolce Hotels & Resorts, Wyndham Worldwide and the former Cendant Corporation as well as iconic consumer packaged-goods companies including Johnson & Johnson, PepsiCo, Pillsbury, Kraft Foods and Nabisco.

"Steve built a reputation for generating strong top- and bottom-line growth, turning around distressed businesses and expanding into global markets," Shannon said. "During his six years as president and chief executive officer of Dolce, he built the company into a premier branded lifestyle and meetings-focused manager of hotels, resorts and corporate conference centers in the United States, Canada and Europe."

Rudnitsky, who repositioned Dolce, launched wellness and nutrition initiatives and served on its board of directors, led the company's sale to Wyndham Worldwide in late 2014 and early 2015.

Prior to Dolce, he was president and chief executive officer of Wyndham Hotel Group, which he transformed from a largely domestic franchisor of economy brands into one of the world's largest integrated lodging franchise and management companies.

Rudnitsky received a bachelor's degree in accounting from Temple University and a master of business administration degree in marketing from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He received the Stephen W. Brener Silver Plate Award at the 29th Annual New York University Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in 2007. He serves on the Englewood Hospital and Medical Center Board of Trustees in New Jersey.

About Miraval Group

Miraval Group is a global leader of luxury resort, spa and wellness destinations. Its flagship property, Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona, pioneered the destination wellness luxury spa resort category with its comprehensive program of activities, experiences and personal treatments.

The resort consistently is recognized by the most respected voices in luxury travel and wellness including Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and Zagat. Headquartered in Denver, Miraval Group is owned by affiliates of KSL Capital Partners LLC and Revolution Places.

About ESPA International Ltd.

ESPA International Ltd., based in Farnham, England, partners with global luxury hoteliers, property companies and owners to develop and, in some instances, operate 450 of the world's finest spas in 50 countries. It also develops and sells natural skin-care products that are rich in heritage, texture and aroma.

ESPA's skin-care products are manufactured in England and tested daily by 3,500 trained therapists. The brand has won more than 125 awards during the last three years.

About Revolution Places

Revolution Places creates unique, authentic experiences that can become treasured memories that last a lifetime. Through Revolution Places travel and tourism services, along with Revolution Places investments in unique real estate and hospitality industries, the organization is creating a new model for travel and tourism that promotes and encourages a healthy lifestyle and establishes a consumer brand that reflects those values. For more information on Revolution Places, visit www.revolution.com/places.

Rich Roberts
RDR PR LLC
717-685-4142
Miraval Group