Fitness equipment Life Fitness, has announced that Frank van de Ven will assume the role of vice president for the company's international business unit.

Van de Ven has overseen the international business in an interim capacity since April 2010.

In his 15-year career with Life Fitness, van de Ven has held positions on both the business and marketing sides of operations.

Prior to his role with the international business unit, van de Ven served as vice president of the company's EMEA region, overseeing Europe, Middle East and Asia from 2008 until 2010.

He came to Life Fitness as marketing director in 1996, where he supported the Benelux region which encompasses Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

"Frank has intimate knowledge of the Life Fitness global customer base and will be a strong international leader who will guide our company towards expanding its global footprint," said Chris Clawson, president of Life Fitness.

Van de Ven currently serves as a board member for the European Health & Fitness Association (EHFA), and will continue to operate out of the Life Fitness offices in the Netherlands.