Industry veteran David Stalker returns to ukactive as chair

David Stalker has been named chair of ukactive, marking the industry veteran’s return to the association where he spent eight years as CEO.

A well-known and passionate leader within the physical activity sector, Stalker has spent more than 35 years in the industry – including leading ukactive from 2008 to 2016. As CEO, he was instrumental in the organisation changing its name from FIA (Fitness Industry Association) to ukactive in November 2012. During his career, he has held several senior executive positions across the sector, including as CEO of Myzone, President of EuropeActive, Chair of CIMSPA and non-executive Director of Alliance Leisure. Stalker joins on a three-year term, taking over from Katy Cox, who became Interim Chair following the departure of Mike Farrar in February.

Commenting on his appointment, Stalker said: “Having previously served as CEO of ukactive, it has been hugely rewarding to witness both the growth of the organisation and the sector we serve, and I am looking forward to playing my part in continuing this growth.

“Throughout my career, I have championed the recognition of physical activity as a cornerstone of health and wellbeing and I will continue to advocate for its role in improving the wellbeing of our communities.

“ukactive’s members are the engine room of physical activity in the UK and I look forward to supporting the Board, the Executive and the team to help drive our collective mission and reach more people.” To read a full interview with David Stalker, turn to page 34.