IEG Middle East is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathleen Ferguson as its new U.S. Ambassador, supporting the growth and global reach of Dubai Active Industry, the region’s largest health and fitness event, which will take place 24th-26th October at Dubai Exhibition Centre.

Kathleen is a respected leader with over 14 years of experience driving business development and strategic partnerships across the health, fitness and wellness space. Her career spans influential roles with IDEA Health and Fitness Association, Oxygen Magazine and Athletech News, where she has built a reputation for connecting brands, people and purpose.

At her core, Kathleen believes in the power of community. Most recently, she founded Coach360, a robust digital platform created to support the business of health, fitness, and wellness coaches working on the frontlines of chronic disease and obesity. Coach360 offers a holistic ecosystem that empowers professionals through curated content, educational resources, and career connections within top clubs and studios. Through an immersive staffing platform and an engaged community of like-minded professionals, Coach360 addresses critical industry challenges such as staffing turnover, while giving brand partners access to a trusted and highly motivated audience.

Her strength lies in bringing the right people into the room and creating the conditions for progress. That makes her an ideal fit for events. Kathleen has an instinct for where conversations need to go and who should be having them. As a mother of three and a strong advocate for women’s health, she brings depth, empathy and commercial clarity to every initiative she supports.

Speaking about her appointment, Kathleen said: “I’m honoured to be named the U.S. Ambassador for IEG Middle East, representing Dubai Active Industry. As a passionate advocate for the global fitness and wellness industry, this opportunity is deeply meaningful to me. The UAE is rapidly emerging as a dynamic hub for innovation and growth in our sector, and I’m excited to help bridge connections between international brands and the expanding community of owners and operators across the region. The momentum in this market is undeniable, and I look forward to supporting its continued rise on the world stage.”

Gavin Baxter, Commercial Director at IEG Middle East, added:

“We’re thrilled to have Kathleen on board. She’s an outstanding leader with a strong voice in the sector and an instinct for where the industry is heading. Her passion, integrity and ability to connect people across markets make her an ideal ambassador as we continue to grow Dubai Active Industry into the global meeting place for fitness, health and wellness.”

Kathleen will support international brand engagement, provide strategic insight into the U.S. market, and play a key role in shaping the content and partnerships for Dubai Active Industry this October.