Herman Rutgers

Herman Rutgers is a graduate of the Higher Textile School of Enschede, where he also earned his BA in International Business. Herman has 35 years of experience in numerous leadership roles within national and international companies. He has led various international companies during his career, including Quaker Oats (food), Akzo-Organon (pharmacy), Sheaffer (writing tools), Prince (sports /tennis), Life Fitness (fi tness equipment). He worked for seven years at Life Fitness, the last couple of years as COO for the global marketing, sales and service departments (location Chicago). At the end of 2001, Herman started his own company, Global Growth Partners. From this business, he has been involved with numerous companies as an investor, advisor or member of supervisory boards. From October 2004 to June 2007 he was director of the European branch of the IHRSA (Internation Health, Racquet & Sportsclub Association). Since September 2007, Herman has been Executive Director at EHFA (European Health & Fitness Association), based in Brussels. Under his leadership, this organisation has grown into an institution that represents the European fitness sector.