The Fitness Industry Association (FIA) has today (10 March) announced the appointment of Harm Tegelaars to chair of the FIA and Andrée Deane to the newly created position of chief executive officer (CEO), with effect from 1 May 2006.

Tegelaars, formerly vice chair of the FIA, replaces Viscount Thurso, whose three year tenure of the post will end in June. Thurso will assume the role of chair of the newly created Health and Fitness Foundation.

Deane will combine her existing role as head of communications with responsibility for attracting and retaining members; increasing the FIA’s influence amongst senior politicians and civil servants; and expanding its current campaigns, such as Commit To Get Fit, Active At Work and Adopt a School.

Finally Innes Kerr, current member services director, will be leaving the FIA at the end of April, but will continue to work with the body on behalf of thinkOTB.

A new role of operational director will also be created. Details: www.fia.org.uk

Photograph: Andrée Deane will take up the post of CEO at the FIA in May