F.C. Sturtevant has tapped spa industry veteran Melanie Edwards to serve as director of professional and spa products division. Edwards will be leveraging her 25 years of industry experience to launch F.C. Sturtevant’s skin care line, Columbia Probiotics, in the spa and medical markets.

The professional products division includes the Columbia Probiotic Skin Care line, as well as proprietary moisturizers and creams.

“I am very excited to be leading the Columbia Skincare Division of F.C. Sturtevant Company. The emphasis on quality product development and commitment to comprehensive brand support and product training is best in class,” said Edwards. “Columbia Probiotics patent-pending technology is the world’s first strain-specific probiotics created for topical usage. These clinically-proven, multi-functional products for all skin types fill a need that currently does not exist in the spa market.”
 
Edwards dynamic and diverse experience includes executive management, sales and marketing, training and education, brand development, strategic planning and retail strategies. A licensed esthetician, she excels in product and menu development and is currently developing treatment protocols for Columbia Probiotics signature facials. Former positions include National Director of Spa for Equinox, senior VP of spa development for Puig Prestige Beauty, VP of spa development for Decleor USA & Carita USA and board member of the International Spa Association.
 
“Having the opportunity to bring in such an experienced leader allows us to maintain our position as a global leader in product development while introducing unique and innovative skin care products,” says Gunnar Wilmot, the company’s CMO. “With an emphasis on the introduction of new technologies and ingredients, we look to continue to expand our position in the spa and wellness marketplace. With Melanie’s guidance, we will be introducing several new products in the next eight months.”