Stepping down from day-to-day management of the tanning franchise he’s led since 1992, Fabutan’s Doug McNabb announced this week that company vice president Mat Rockey has taken over as president of the salon franchise, allowing McNabb to focus on industry matters in Canada and the United States.

Rockey started his career at Fabutan 10 years ago at the age of 20 behind the desk, the same path McNabb took over 25 years ago. “I am pleased and proud of our company and the fact its new president has risen through the ranks to become its new president,” McNabb said in a statement. “Mat Rockey is a natural leader who addresses the challenges and opportunities of the business. Responsible for introducing Mystic Spray Tanning, Red Light Therapy, and most recently Hush Lash Studios within the Fabutan concept, Mat is the natural next step for the Fabutan brand. Serving Fabutan franchisees and employees as president of Canada’s largest tanning company has been an incredible experience.”

McNabb purchased Fabutan, which was founded in Edmonton in 1979 by Bruce Puffer, in 1992. Under McNabb’s direction, the franchise grew to 128 locations in Canada and the United States from just 33 in 1992. McNabb served on Smart Tan’s charter advisory committee in 1996, and Fabutan has made Smart Tanning core to its corporate mission.

McNabb, who will retain the title of Fabutan’s Chief Culture Officer, will continue to serve as the president of the Joint Canadian Tanning Association and will serve on the board of the newly formed American Suntanning Association.