Gerhard Gans, who was just appointed chair of the International Alliance of Dietary Supplement Associations (IADSA) on June 22, has welcomed recent decisions by some governments to explore integrating supplementation into public health policy, and has pledged to find ways to build on this progress over the course of his tenure.
 
“Switzerland’s government has issued guidance advising older consumers to take a daily vitamin D supplement,” Gans said. “The UK, meanwhile, has launched a review of vitamin D intake that will look at the role of supplements in reducing health disparities. These developments represent small but significant steps for the sector and are timely in the sense that the world is facing significant challenges that have the potential to impact on food security.
 
“Moving forward, we will cultivate these green shoots of progress and show the leadership the supplement sector needs to demonstrate further the role and value of supplementation globally,” Gans continued.
 
Gans held the position of treasurer at IADSA in 2018, and has 40 years of experience working in the supplement sector. He also currently serves as VP of regulatory affairs and quality management at DSM Nutritional Products.
 
Gans succeeds Michelle Stout, who will be IADSA chair emeritus following two terms as chair. Stout will replace outgoing chair emeritus Ric Hobby, who was given IADSA’s Leadership Award in recognition of his contribution to the supplement sector over the course of his career.
 
Carl Gibson, CEO of Complementary Medicines Australia, has become IADSA’s new vice-chair, replacing outgoing vice-chair Steve Mister. Tod Gimbel will succeed Gerhard Gans as treasurer, SVP of global corporate affairs at Herbalife Nutrition.
 
“We congratulate Gerhard Gans on his election as IADSA chair. We also offer our sincere thanks to Michelle Stout and Steve Mister for their engagement as chair and vice-chair over the past four years. Congratulations also go to Carl Gibson and Tod Gimbel for their appointments. We look forward to working with the new IADSA board as we navigate the opportunities and challenges of the future.”
 
Members of the IADSA board are elected every two years. Based in London, IADSA is an international association of the dietary supplement sector, with membership spanning six continents.