Susan Docherty, formerly Chevy Europe's boss, is now the CEO of Canyon Ranch, a spa and resort operator.

Former General Motors executive Susan Docherty, who was considered by some observers to be a candidate to be the first woman CEO at the automaker, has been appointed the CEO of the Canyon Ranch, the operator of spas and health resorts.

Docherty left GM in September 2013 after holding series of top level positions in sales and marketing in North America, China and finally Europe where she was president of Cadillac and European operations.

She oversaw the establishment of Chevrolet in Europe as possible replacement for Opel, which was up for sale. However, the sale didn’t come to pass and Chevy never really gained any traction in Europe. Ultimately, GM pulled the brand out of the continent after she resigned.

Meanwhile, Cadillac’s operations in Europe are going through another reorganization and Cadillac’s vehicles are still regarded as expensive curiosities rather than as challengers to the entrenched German luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi and BMW.

Docherty worked at GM for 27 years and was given a series increasingly important posts, but she ultimately became a casualty of the company’s failed European strategy and marketing efforts there.

Mel Zuckerman, Canyon Ranch founder, said Docherty was selected for the job because of expertise at building brands to the position of CEO. As CEO, Docherty, will continue to grow and develop the brand that paved the way for the wellness industry in the United States and abroad, he said.

“I am thrilled to announce Susan as CEO. Her background in thoughtful expansion of brands coupled with her enthusiasm for our mission makes her a perfect fit,” said Zuckerman.

“This business was built on heart, soul and mission – attributes which have sustained its growth for more than three decades and will continue to guide its future. As we look toward the next chapter, I am highly confident that Susan is the right person to lead the brand forward,” he said.

(Docherty exits from GM Europe. For more, Click Here.)

Docherty said it was an honor to be at the helm of the world’s leading health and wellness brand built by the pioneering spirit and vision of Mel and Enid Zuckerman.

(Click Here for details about GM pulling Chevy from Europe in 2016.)

“The Canyon Ranch brand is more relevant than ever with the heightened awareness of the importance of health and wellness. I couldn’t be more thrilled to join this world-class company and guide the next chapter of growth,” she said.

(To see more about GM’s Q1 falling short of expectations, Click Here.)

Based in Tucson, Arizona, Canyon Ranch is owned by Crescent Real Estate Holdings, Founders Mel and Enid Zuckerman and Jerry Cohen. Crescent has been a partner in Canyon Ranch since 1996 and recently made a significant equity investment to support the brand’s growth.