Career
Born in Kristiania, Poulsen was an active speed skated in his younger days. He represented the club Oslo Illinois, and eventually became involved in the administration of that club He eventually became an honorary club member.
In the International Skating Union he was a board member from 1971, vice president from 1977 and president from 1980 to 1994.
He retired after the 1994 Winter Olympics, held in his native country. He died on 27 September 2008.