TUCSON, Ariz. — Watermark Retirement Communities, a Tucson-based operator, has hired Aras Erekul to the new position of national director of integrative well-being.
Erekul was most recently the corporate director of experience development at the wellness lifestyle and luxury spa resort organization Canyon Ranch. He will be responsible for bringing together a wide range of practices and programs for Watermark residents and associates.
“The senior living profession is evolving to embrace a deeper understanding of holistic approaches to health and wellness,” says Erekul. “I look forward to serving as the lead well-being architect for Watermark, weaving innovative technology and leading- edge practices with ancient wisdom for existing and future Watermark communities.”
Erekul will first focus on Watermark’s Élan Collection of upscale communities, which offer high-end resort-style amenities
Erekul has a medical doctorate from Turkey’s Hacettepe University and a fellowship in integrative medicine from the University of Arizona. He also holds a master’s degree in hospitality from Cornell University. Before switching into wellness resort and business development roles, he practiced briefly as a cardiovascular surgery resident and was a physician-in-charge with Istanbul Emergency Ambulance Services.