The Health & Fitness Association (HFA) is accelerating its international momentum with the return of Hans Muench and Leila Timergaleeva as ambassadors. Together, they bring decades of experience, deep regional ties, and a shared commitment to advancing the goal of the HFA to protect, promote, and grow the global fitness industry.
HFA Expands Global Representation in Europe and the Caucasus
Hans Muench and Leila Timergaleeva return to the Health & Fitness Association as ambassadors.
Hans Muench (left) and Leila Timergaleeva (right) are rejoining Health & Fitness Association as the association continues to expand its global reach and representation at its events.
Muench serves as ambassador in Europe for the 2025 HFA European Congress, which occurs October 2-4 in Amsterdam. With over 30 years of experience and a vast network across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg, Muench is using his connections to secure attendees and sponsorships. His history with HFA (formerly IHRSA) dates back to 1981 and includes roles as European liaison, director of international development, and director of Europe for the association.
Timergaleeva rejoins HFA as ambassador for the Caucasus region, supporting not just the HFA European Congress but also HFA international partner events ChinaFit, which just occurred last month, and MEFIT Summit, which occurs October 9-11 in Dubai. From 2008 to 2020, Timergaleeva played a pivotal role in expanding Congress participation from the Caucasus. She has held executive roles at Gold’s Gym Moscow and at CompleteBody and David Barton in New York City.
“It’s an honor to rejoin the HFA team alongside Hans Muench, whose legacy in the European fitness community is unmatched,” said Timergaleeva. “Together, we’re committed to building bridges across regions so that fitness professionals can connect, collaborate, and grow on a truly global scale. HFA’s mission to unite the industry resonates deeply with me, and I’m excited to help amplify that vision through our international events.”
Muench echoed the sentiment: “With Leila’s deep ties in the Caucasus region and my network across central Europe, we’re creating new pathways for collaboration and growth for HFA that will help elevate the industry globally. The HFA European Congress has always been a hub for innovation and connection, and I’m proud to help bring even more voices and perspectives to the table in 2025.”
With Timergaleeva and Muench as part of the team, HFA is reinforcing its commitment to global education and representation. Their work is just part of these efforts. Dig deeper into HFA’s global reach by reading this article and viewing this map in the July/August 2025 issue of Health & Fitness Business.
Pamela Kufahl is HFA's senior director of communication. She is responsible for driving social media content, producing member and industry-facing resources, such as the Global Report and U.S. Health & Fitness Consumer Report, and creating tools to help promote the industry domestically and to international media, NGOs, and policy organizations. When Pamela isn't in the office, she enjoys exercising, visiting museums, going to the theater and movies, and fostering puppies.