The Swiss resigned and shortly thereafter became the interim Secretary-General of FIS

In early June, Urs Lehmann, the Swiss national who had been serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the International Ski Federation (FIS), announced his resignation from the position. This move came just days before the FIS Congress held in Belgrade, where Alexander Ospelt was elected as the new president of the federation. The transition in leadership has sparked discussions about the future direction of the organization, particularly following the announcement by current General Secretary Michel Vion that he would also step down from his role.

Lehmann's departure marked a significant shift in the governance structure of FIS. Despite stepping down from his executive role, Lehmann will continue to play a crucial part in the organization until March 2027. He will assume the interim position of General Secretary, ensuring continuity in the operations of the federation during this period of transition. His decision to remain involved comes after consultations between Ospelt and the FIS Executive Committee, which sought solutions to maintain uninterrupted activities within the organization.

The situation arose due to the simultaneous resignations of both the CEO and the General Secretary. With these high-profile departures, the need for immediate stability became apparent. Following discussions with Lehmann, the FIS President and Executive Committee agreed that he would take over the role of interim General Secretary starting July 1st. This arrangement aims to provide a smooth transition while allowing time for the necessary evaluations and preparations for the future leadership of the federation.

As part of this process, the FIS Council has established a working group tasked with assessing the future structure of the federation’s executive leadership. This group will evaluate whether amendments to the federation’s statutes are required. Additionally, they will review the financial status of FIS and prepare recommendations for improvements if deemed necessary. These steps are intended to ensure that the federation remains financially sound and structurally capable of meeting its objectives moving forward.

The upcoming months will see FIS open a formal process for applications to fill the position of General Secretary by March 2027. This initiative underscores the importance placed on finding a suitable candidate who can lead the organization effectively. The special working group will not only focus on the structural aspects but also consider the broader implications of these changes on the international ski community.

With the leadership changes underway, the attention now turns to how these transitions will impact the ongoing projects and initiatives of FIS. The interim leadership under Lehmann is expected to manage the day-to-day operations while the working groups conduct their assessments. The outcomes of these evaluations will shape the strategic direction of the federation, influencing policies and decisions in the coming years. As the new administration takes shape, all eyes are on the developments that will emerge from these critical reviews and the eventual selection of the next General Secretary.