The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has reached an agreement with Kelly Fairweather to engage Kelly as its new CEO. Kelly succeeds Christophe Troendle, who was FIH Director General from May 2008 and retires on 31 August, 2010. Kelly will join FIH in October 2010.
Kelly Fairweather is well known in hockey and sports in general. As a former high level player and coach, the South African knows the sport of hockey extremely well. He worked in his former two functions, as Director of the European Regional Office and IF Relations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and as Director of Sport at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) very closely with the FIH.
ÔÇÿI am delighted to be taking up the role of Chief Executive of the FIH - the sport that is in my blood and that I am immensely passionate about', Kelly said. ÔÇÿThe FIH is at an exciting stage of development which no doubt will bring challenges but also many opportunities for the sport. I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to achieving the goals and objectives of the FIH.'
ÔÇÿI am pleased that Kelly accepted our proposal', FIH President Leandro Negre said. ÔÇÿWe have a lot of expectations of his knowledge of the world of sports.' ÔÇÿWith Kelly's background and experience, I am sure that he will be a fantastic leader of our professional team', FIH Honorary Secretary General Peter Cohen added.
With the appointment of Kelly Fairweather, FIH has found the perfect successor to Christophe Troendle.
ÔÇÿI would like to thank Christophe for all the work he has done for the FIH', FIH President Leandro Negre said. ÔÇÿSince the moment I was elected as President in November 2008, he has been very helpful for me. One of his main achievements was the work he did on the new FIH Strategic Plan. I wish him all the best for the future.'
To bridge the gap until the arrival of Kelly Fairweather, the FIH President and Honorary Secretary General have appointed FIH senior staff member Roger Webb to take on the role of Acting Director General.
