Member Profile - Herman Rutgers

An international executive armed with over 35 years of experience in managing international businesses in many different markets.

Following his education at Hogere Textielschool in Enschede, Netherlands, where he obtained his BA in International Business, his career spans a wide range of multinational companies;

Quaker Oats, Akzo-Organon, Sheaffer Pen, Prince/Bennetton Sportsgroup, and Brunswick/Life Fitness.

Herman left Life Fitness (where he spent 7 years, lastly as Executive Vice President for Global Marketing, Sales & Service, based at the Global Headquarters in Chicago, USA) at the end of 2001 and started his own company, Global Growth Partners.

Through this company he is involved in various businesses both inside and outside fitness, as an investor, advisor or board member. Herman has an extensive network in the health and fitness sector.

Between September 2007 and June 2012 Herman served as the Executive Director for EHFA and under his leadership the organisation was established in Brussels and has become the recognized association representing the European fitness sector at the European Union, IOC, WHO and other international bodies.

Herman is a real global citizen; he worked and lived in The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and the USA and is fluent in Dutch, English, German, and French.

His hobbies are Sports (Fitness, Jogging, Golf and Ski), Wine and Reading. Herman is married with Han, has 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren and resides in Wassenaar, The Netherlands.

Question & Answer:
EHFA: "Why is it important to have a trade body for the European fitness industry and what do you feel are the priorities for EHFA over the next three years?"

Herman Rutgers: "Only a well supported and represented EU trade body like EHFA, can represent the sector and set quality- and qualification standards which will be supported by the EU and European Fitness industry. This growing professionalism is needed in order to be able to play a significant role in prevention of the massive health problems today and in the future.

Priorities for EHFA over the next three years:
• Support the growth of our sector through educational and networking events as well as the new and improved EHFA and Fitnessconnexions websites and community
• Development of quality- and qualification standards by the Standards Council and their working groups
• Further implementation of EREPS across Europe
• Increase number of National associations which are members of EHFA
• Coordinate and improve market research and medical research for the sector
• Promote and protect the sector at the EU level and work with the national associations in establishing a coherent public affairs strategy
• Help positioning the industry as an important tool in health and prevention.

Herman Rutgers was co-opted onto the Board of EHFA at the Annual General Assembly in Brussels on 24 May 2012.

Dutch, English, French, German