Former Gap exec joins C-suite at Massage Envy

A real estate veteran has been tapped to lead Massage Envy’s growth.

The massage and skin care provider has appointed Erich Melsheimer as chief development officer. In the role, he is responsible for leading a team dedicated to driving strategic growth for Massage Envy, which has approximately 1,100 franchise locations nationwide.

Most recently, Melsheimer served as VP of global real estate for Planet Fitness, where he oversaw the company's franchise real estate in the United States, Canada, Panama, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand, as well as emerging markets development.

His team was directly responsible for administrating franchisee area development agreements, managing ownership transfers and reviewing and approving new locations, generating over 800 openings since 2018.  

Prior to joining Planet Fitness in 2018, Melsheimer spent nearly 12 years at Gap, Inc., overseeing development of the company's brands in the Southeast U.S., including flagship projects and international strategy assignments. He joined Gap in 2006, and from 2014 – 2018 was senior director, real estate.

Melsheimer also held real estate and asset management roles with The Wendy's Company and Yum! Brands, and served as a consultant for Darden Restaurants.

"Erich is a visionary leader who will help strengthen and expand Massage Envy's national footprint," said Beth Stiller, CEO, Massage Envy. "His established record of driving sustainable growth while strengthening relationships with franchisees and the real estate development community will help propel the brand forward."