YMCA and YWCA Denmark have announced the appointment of Gritt Rhinstrøm as their new Secretary General, effective August 1, 2025. A long-time leader in the organisation and a passionate advocate for youth and volunteerism, Gritt steps into the role following a thorough recruitment process and with a clear vision for the future.
Gritt is no stranger to the movement. She brings with her extensive leadership experience from Fairhuset – a project under the YMCA and the Danish Women’s Union – where she has played a central role in establishing Denmark’s first Fairhusets, inclusive spaces focused on community, equity, and youth engagement.
“We are very pleased that Gritt will now be at the helm of the YMCA and the YWCA,” said Thomas Østergaard, Chair of the Central Board. “We have chosen Gritt from a strong and competent field of applicants because she is exactly the profile we are looking for. She has both the professional skills, a thorough understanding of volunteering and a strong focus on children and young people,”
The selection process was led by an external agency and included input from both the staff team and the Central Board. Gritt stood out in a highly competitive field, not only for her track record but for her ability to translate the organisation’s mission into present-day relevance.
“My dream for the YMCA and the YWCA is that many more children and young people will meet our communities and experience that they are significant and that the world needs them. We must hold on to everything we already do well in hundreds of small and large communities. At the same time, we turn to the world and are open to everything we have not yet seen. I am really looking forward to leading this task together with Denmark’s best volunteers and a strong team of skilled employees”
In addition to her leadership in Fairhuset, Gritt has contributed to the development of YMCA and YWCA Denmark’s new vision and has experience with both local initiatives and global collaboration across the movement. Her appointment signals a strong commitment to nurturing inclusive, faith-rooted communities that respond to contemporary needs and realities.
Gritt will take over from Jørgen Kvist, who has served as Secretary General for the past 12 years. Jørgen will step down on July 31, 2025, as he begins a new chapter in public service, running for the Danish Parliament.
To mark the transition, a public reception will be held on June 20 at 15:00 at the Regional Office in Valby, where members, volunteers, partners, and friends are warmly invited to honour Jørgen’s remarkable service and welcome Gritt into her new role.
From all of us at YMCA Europe, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Gritt Rhinstrøm and sincere thanks to Jørgen Kvist for his years of dedicated leadership. We look forward to continuing this journey of transformation and impact alongside YMCA and YWCA Denmark.
Picture by: Christian Blom-Bloch
