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Ben Xu
Ben Xu's career is a testament to dedication, innovation, and leadership in the business world. With over two decades of experience in management consulting and the fitness industry, Ben has consistently driven growth and
fostered innovation.
Ben at Fortitude Forever
His journey began at Nike in Shanghai, where he served as the National Retail Development Manager from 1997 to 2002. Ben's strategic vision expanded Nike's retail footprint from 55 to 550 shops in three years, significantly enhancing the brand's presence in China. His innovative "Nike University" program set new standards in inventory management and retail merchandising. Transitioning to management consulting, Ben joined A.T. Kearney in 2004, where he developed market-entry strategies and conducted commercial due diligence for major clients. At Bain & Company in 2012, he led e-commerce strategy projects and long-term strategic planning for top apparel companies, further establishing his expertise in digital marketing and consumer operations. In 2013, as a Director at Monitor Deloitte, Ben crafted competitive strategies for global brands like Converse and Pfizer Consumer Health. His work spanned various industries, demonstrating his versatile expertise and ability to drive growth.
At Kantar Consulting, where he served as Managing Partner from 2019 to 2021, Ben transformed the firm from a research-based model to a consulting powerhouse. Under his leadership, profitability tripled in H1 2020, and his implementation of management tools streamlined operations significantly. Currently, as the nominal Vice President of International Business at Speediance, Ben continues to drive global expansion and build client relationships. His extensive experience and strategic acumen make him a key leader at Fortitude Forever, committed to empowering Chinese innovative brands in the North American market. Ben studied in the joint MBA program at London Business School and Johnson School at Cornell University.
Ian Hayward
Ian Hayward is a dynamic business leader with a proven track record in sales, negotiation, and team management. His career is characterized by strategic thinking and a commitment to empowering others. Ian earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations, with an emphasis on labor economics.
Co-Founder, Fortitude Forever
With over a decade of experience in distribution strategy for major brands, Ian has honed his skills in market expansion and customer relations. He further developed his expertise in marketing innovation at Zen Marketing, where he implemented early tech-enabled social media strategies to enhance consumer engagement for major U.S. brands. More recently, Ian has applied his strategic acumen as a key strategist for 401(k) Annuity Hub, a retirement industry market intelligence start-up.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ian is deeply committed to community engagement and social impact. He has volunteered as a keynote speaker for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, contributing to fundraising success. Ian has been a passionate adaptive snowsport instructor, dedicating his time to empowering individuals with disabilities to discover their potential on the slopes. His passion for youth mentorship is evident in his successful tenure as a soccer coach, leading multiple teams to championship victories in Central NY.
At Fortitude Forever, Ian combines his business acumen with his dedication to community service, bringing a unique perspective to the company's mission. His approach focuses on fostering personal accountability and empowerment, driving both business success and positive social impact in the fitness industry and beyond.