Exclusive Collection has appointed spa industry veteran Ian Mackie to the role of spa operations manager at South Lodge Hotel & Spa in Horsham, UK. 

Mackie joins the company with more than 25 years’ experience in the spa industry,  having previously served as managing director of Natura Bisse UK & Ireland and held several senior roles at ESPA, including senior spa operations associate and vice-president of global spa operations. He has also held posts at Four Seasons Hampshire and The Cliff Bay Hotel in Madeira.

Mackie’s appointment follows that of Charlene Phipp, who joined the company in 2021 as spa manager at South Lodge’s sister property, Pennyhill Park, where she accepted the Good Spa Guide’s ‘Best Hotel Spa’ award. 

“We are delighted to welcome Ian to the South Lodge team and the Exclusive Collection family,” said South Lodge general manager David Connell. 

“While the spa has undergone a tumultuous time since its launch in 2019, due to the pandemic, its success has been extremely pleasing. Membership has been the highlight, having surpassed our initial projections, and is the perfect time for Ian to join the team and help us to take the spa on to the next steps of its evolution.”

Spa apprenticeships programme

In addition, Exclusive Collection, which recently achieved B Corp Certification, has also announced a new Spa Apprenticeships Scheme, that will see the spa teams from both South Lodge and Pennyhill Park, led by Ian and Charlene, work with local colleges to deliver existing beauty programmes and offer hands-on training to trainee therapists, as well as an annual activity schedule.

Commenting on his appointment, Mackie said: “I’m very excited to join the amazing team at South Lodge and to be part of such a wonderful forward-thinking, pioneering company that places spa and wellness as one of the cornerstones of the business.

“I’m really forward to exploring and developing new concepts, ideas and opportunities for the spa at South Lodge as we look to open up new horizons through innovative wellness, wellbeing and positive healthy lifestyles for our highly-valued guests, members and teams.”