International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) President Alexander Ospelt has initiated a leadership restructuring following his election at the 57th FIS Congress in Belgrade. The Federation announced that Urs Lehmann will serve as Secretary General ad interim from 1 July 2026 through March 2027 to ensure operational continuity following the resignation of CEO Urs Lehmann and the departure of Secretary General Michel Vion.
How will FIS manage the leadership transition?
The FIS Council is prioritizing stability by appointing Lehmann to the interim Secretary General role for a nine-month period, which aligns with his existing contractual notice period. According to the FIS statement, this move is intended to maintain the organization’s ongoing operations while the Council evaluates its future executive structure. A dedicated Working Group will assess whether the current FIS Statutes require amendments to support this new leadership model, incorporating proposals previously submitted to the Congress.
What is the timeline for permanent leadership appointments?
FIS intends to finalize its new executive leadership structure by March 2027. The organization plans to launch an open, transparent application process for the permanent Secretary General position. To ensure objectivity, the Federation will utilize professional HR support throughout the recruitment phase. This approach mirrors standard governance practices in international non-profits, where independent talent acquisition is used to mitigate potential conflicts of interest.
Why is the FIS reviewing its financial situation?
Beyond executive staffing, the FIS Council has confirmed the creation of a separate Working Group tasked with reviewing the Federation’s current financial status. This group is expected to prepare formal proposals to address any identified needs. While specific budgetary figures were not released, the establishment of a specialized review body suggests a shift toward more rigorous fiscal oversight as the new administration takes control of the organization’s long-term planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the current FIS President? Alexander Ospelt was elected as FIS President during the 57th FIS Congress in Belgrade.
- When will the interim Secretary General role end? Urs Lehmann will serve as Secretary General ad interim until the end of March 2027.
- Will the FIS change its statutes? The FIS Council has established a Working Group to evaluate whether amendments to the FIS Statutes are necessary for the future executive structure.
- How will the next permanent Secretary General be chosen? FIS plans to conduct an open, professional application process supported by external HR experts.
What are your thoughts on the future of sports governance? Join the conversation in the comments section below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on international sports administration.