Rasmus Ingerslev was recently named the chairperson of the International Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association for 2016-2017.
Ingerslev's appointment for the 2016-2017 term, which will begin July 1, was announced at IHRSA 2016 in March. Ingerslev is the executive vice chairman of Wexer Virtual and is the association's first non-North American chair.
“My foundation for success has been innovation, often including technology, but more than anything networking," Ingerslev said in a statement. "I am a true believer in Success By Association, IHRSA’s slogan, and look forward to bringing my best efforts and experience into the chairmanship for the benefit of the organization and the industry. We have taken on a big task, wanting to reverse the global inactivity epidemic. But if we, being IHRSA, our partners and members, can continuously move the needle just a little bit forward in regards to the number of people we help lead better lives through exercise, we are a success."
Ingerslev, who resides in Sweden, developed and sold Denmark-based fitness dk and and Fresh Fitness. He is a past recipient of the IHRSA European Club Leadership Award and co-founder of the Danish Fitness & Health Organization.
“IHRSA is an international organization, with members from over 70 countries and attendees at the recent IHRSA 2016 from 80 countries," Joe Moore, president and CEO, IHRSA, said in a statement. "The board's election of Rasmus as its next chair emphasizes that fact. Rasmus has enthusiastically supported IHRSA and the industry in a variety of capacities through the years. And now the staff and I look forward to the energy and commitment Rasmus will bring to his term as board chairperson."
Rasmus will take over the chairperson role from Molly Kemmer, regional director, EXOS | MediFit, who will serve an additional year on the IHRSA board as ex-officio.
"I look forward to continuing to work closely with Rasmus, the board and the IHRSA staff to serve the industry and the association's members," Kemmer said in a statement. "Rasmus brings a tremendous breadth and depth of experience regarding organizational growth, as well working with boards of directors. The association is fortunate for his leadership."
The incoming chair said he was thankful for the confidence of his fellow board members by voting him into this role but also comfortable, as there is full alignment with IHRSA’s core purpose: to grow, promote and protect the industry. In regards to what he brings to the table and outlook on the future, Ingerslev is optimistic.
“My foundation for success has been innovation, often including technology, but more than anything networking. I am a true believer in Success By Association, IHRSA’s slogan, and look forward to bringing my best efforts and experience into the chairmanship for the benefit of the organization and the industry. We have taken on a big task, wanting to reverse the global inactivity epidemic. But if we, being IHRSA, our partners and members, can continuously move the needle just a little bit forward in regards to the number of people we help lead better lives through exercise, we are a success."