What’s your background?
For the last 15 years, I’ve worked in Brussels helping different industry associations – including some in the sports field – to grow their memberships. My previous experience was in the sports betting industry, which gave me the opportunity to connect with the sports world.

What attracted you to the role of director for IHRSA Europe?
I have always had a personal connection with sport. Having been diagnosed with diabetes at a young age, practising sport, keeping fit and trying to eat healthily have always been important aspects of my life.

I was particularly attracted by IHRSA’s mission to help health and fitness clubs become a primary solution to the obesity epidemic in Europe and across the globe.

IHRSA opened a European office in January 2016 – what has it achieved in its first year?
We now have a team of four people in Brussels. We’ve worked on developing and promoting the 2016 European Congress in Seville last October, as well as going out to existing members to understand how IHRSA Europe can serve them best.

What are IHRSA Europe’s plans going forward?
First, we’ll ensure continuity of services and content to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to Europe.

We’ll then go a step further and improve the value proposition we present to current and new members, by working more closely with our network of partners, ambassadors and national federations. The specificities and expectations of each market in Europe are different, and we want to better understand their challenges – as well as how we, as a global organisation, can help.

How does IHRSA believe it can complement the work of existing industry bodies?
There is a demand for IHRSA in Europe. We have 1,300 members across Europe, and it’s our role to provide them with the content and services they need to grow their membership and manage their clubs. Our events, research and educational materials form part of that.

We’re happy to collaborate with EuropeActive and other organisations when it’s in the interests of our members. We hope this will be the case in 2017.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities for the health and fitness sector?
Our industry offers what the world needs to end the obesity epidemic and manage and prevent any number of conditions that adversely affect health. There’s no better industry to be in.

We also need to embrace the digital revolution. It’s often seen as a challenge, as the growth of digital and the proliferation of apps mean a customer’s journey is no longer limited to the four walls of a health club – but the fitness industry should look at this as an opportunity. For this reason, IHRSA is creating an advisory council on technology and innovation, to ensure IHRSA members have the necessary information and resources to capitalise on innovation and technology trends.