First Month with FIS President Johan Eliasch

It’s been just over a month since newly elected FIS President Johan Eliasch took over the reins. In that short time, he has already led two FIS Council meetings, appointed a new Secretary General and named the formation of nine new working groups and committees.

FIS sat down with the new President to talk about his first month.

Q. What are your immediate impressions after your first month with FIS?

A. Within the team there is a clear passion and desire to grow FIS and all its disciplines. My impression is that everyone is ready to roll up their sleeves and get down to business. Some decisions will be easy and quick. Others will take time and resources. Our athletes and fans rely on us to deliver for them. We need to put energy and commitment into making a steep change in the performance of FIS whilst doing so in an open and transparent environment.

Q. In just a month, you have already held two Council meetings.

A. Yes, we have had many decisions to make and a lot of business to take care of in this first month.

Q. What are some of the key decisions to come out of those Council meetings?

A. Without a doubt, the most important action we have taken thus far is agreeing to hold an Extraordinary Congress on 22nd September. This will allow us to deliver on my manifesto commitments for governance proposals and generally updating our Statutes. Additionally, the formation of the new Working Groups and Committees will allow FIS to start important work in several key areas immediately.

Q. As you just mentioned, the Council agreed to the formation of several new working groups and committees, can you tell us more about those?

A. To get FIS to the next level we must tap into all of our resources. The good news is within the FIS Family, there are many knowledgeable professionals with deep roots in our sports who can help us achieve our goals. We have strategically put people on working groups and committees with specific expertise that will benefit FIS. We have also worked to create groups and committees that will help increase the transparency and good governance of FIS. For example, the FIS Strategic Planning Working Group will recommend a four-year Horizon Plan and annually review and update it to ensure FIS is working to its fullest potential.

Q. The Council also appointed Michel Vion the new Secretary General.

A. I have known Michel for many years, and we have always worked well together. He brings a deep knowledge about FIS and its structures after serving as the French Federation President and FIS Council member for a long time. As an ex-racer and race team director he brings massive sports knowledge, which is crucial in the role. When he was proposed to the Council, they also had the same opinion as me - that he was the right man for the job.

Q. What does the rest of the summer have in store?

A. Now that the Extraordinary Congress is approved, the full focus will be on preparing for that very important day. The decisions that the General Assembly takes on 22nd September will lay the ground work for the future of FIS, so it is critical that we are well-prepared.