Hong Kong-based Rosewood Hotel Group has strengthened its executive team with the appointment of Niamh O’Connell to the newly created position of group vice president of wellness development.

In her role, O’Connell will lead and supervise the strategic, global development of spa, wellness and recreation operations for the group’s existing hotels and new projects. 

A native of Ireland, she has more than 22 years’ spa industry experience with hotel groups and independent spa brands. 

Prior to joining Rosewood, O’Connell held various senior positions in Hyatt International Hotels & Resorts including vice president of spa, corporate director of spa and area spa director for the Greater China region. 

In addition, she was vice president of operations in Asia Pacific for ESPA International, international training manager and business manager of La Therapie and spa director of Steiner Transocean.

Rosewood Hotel Group, one of the world’s fastest growing hotel companies, encompasses three brands. 

These include ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotels & Resorts in North America, Caribbean/Atlantic, Europe, the Middle East and Asia; deluxe New World Hotels & Resorts in China and south-east Asia; and neighbourhood lifestyle pentahotels in Europe and Asia.

Its combined portfolio consists of 55 hotels in 18 countries.