FORT WORTH, TX (November 7, 2017) – Wellness pioneer Canyon Ranch® is pleased to announce the appointments of three new executive chefs at both wellness destinations in Tucson, Arizona, and Lenox, Massachusetts, and at Canyon Ranchwellness spa + fitness in Las Vegas, Nevada. Furthering the commitment to delicious, nutritious food, these chefs will continue to cultivate the culinary offerings at each property.
“I am delighted to welcome these talented colleagues to the Canyon Ranch family,” said Sean O’Connell, Vice President of Food and Beverage. “With their diverse expertise and passion for hand-crafted healthy cuisine, they will play an integral part in moving the brand forward while remaining true to our innovative culinary philosophies.”
Ashley Reese, Executive Chef, Tucson 
The accomplished Chef Ashley Reese joins the Canyon Ranch in Tucson team, bringing with her more than 10 years of excellence. A distinguished graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, Chef Ashley's résumé includes a wide range of experience and roles at well-known restaurants, hotels and resorts including Criollas in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Destin, Florida, and Alys Beach Resort in Alys Beach, Florida.
For the past seven years, Chef Ashley has advanced her way through the ranks within Loews Hotels and Resorts, while pushing boundaries and showing constant growth. With stops in Atlanta, Nashville, and Tucson, Chef Ashley has been a leader and visionary for the Loews culinary teams.
In her new role, she will direct the culinary team in the five Tucson kitchens in conjunction with the Food and Beverage team. When she’s not cooking, Chef Ashley enjoys yoga, barre and hiking with her beloved German Shepherd, Zeus.
Todd Owen, Executive Chef, Lenox 
Canyon Ranch in Lenox welcomes award-winning chef Todd Owen to the team. With training from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, he brings more than a decade of experience to his new role. Chef Todd has held notable positions at hotels and resorts around the country including The Cloister Hotel at Sea Island, Georgia, L’auberge Provencale in Northern Virginia, The Greenbrier Hotel in White Sulphur Springs, W. Virginia, Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, North Carolina, and The Omni Park Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina.
Most recently, Chef Todd spent three years as Executive Sous Chef and Executive Pastry Chef at Belterra Park Gaming and Entertainment Center in Cincinnati, leading their culinary program to new heights. Chef Todd is also a talented chocolate artist and in 2013, he participated in the National Chocolate Masters Competition.
As Executive Chef, Todd will be overseeing all culinary operations in Lenox with a focus on building the strongest team possible to deliver the best New England cuisine to Canyon Ranch guests. When Chef Todd isn’t making a savory dish or creating a chocolate masterpiece, he enjoys hiking, hunting, building and riding motorcycles and hanging out with his three dogs.
John Kujundzich, Executive Chef, Las Vegas 
Chef John Kujundzich joins Canyon Ranch wellness spa + fitness Las Vegas, Nevada, with more than 15 years of experience. Originally from California, Chef John comes to wellness brand from the Red Rock Resort and Casino where for the past four years he served as Assistant Executive Chef, responsible for the culinary operations of 11 restaurants and catering. Prior, he was a member of the culinary team that opened The Wicked Spoon at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. Chef John’s experience also includes the opening of OM: Modern Asian Kitchen in Tucson, Arizona, and working as a Banquet Chef and Chef de Cuisine at Hotel ZaZa Houston. Chef John is a graduate of the California School of Culinary Arts where he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu Certificate.
Perhaps most impressive is how Chef John began his culinary career, in the United States Marine Corps. During his six plus years of service, he held the position of Chief Cook while stationed at Camp Pendleton, California and served overseas in support Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, eventually rising to the rank of sergeant. In his new position, Chef John will oversee the acclaimed Canyon Ranch Grill™ and The Canyon Ranch Café™ and will direct special events.
