Snow Australia President Dean Gosper re-elected to the FIS Council as Johan Eliasch is appointed new FIS President 

Last Friday Johan Eliasch was elected as the new International Ski Federation (FIS) President, taking over for outgoing president Gian Franco Kasper.

A successful entrepreneur currently serving as CEO of global provider of sports equipment and apparel HEAD, Eliasch was elected by the 52nd International Ski Congress after just one round of voting. He received a strong mandate with 55% of the total votes, ahead of the three other candidates Urs Lehmann, Sarah Lewis and Mats Arjes.

Eliasch became the fifth President in the history of FIS, the second Swede after Ivar Holmqvist (1924-1934). As a result of dual citizenship, his candidature was submitted by GB Snowsport on a platform which promised to implement positive and significant change, including particular focus on increased tv coverage and more audience-friendly competition formats.

“I’m incredibly humbled to be chosen as your president.” Eliasch said to the Congress, gathered online for the first time, after his election. “I want to thank FIS for organizing such a professional virtual congress. I would especially like to express my gratitude to Gian Franco Kasper, whom I have known for many years. We would not all be sitting here today if it wasn’t for him.

“I will be engaged, open-minded and transparent and a president that represents all nations and all disciplines and now let us go to work,” he said.

Snow Australia President Dean Gosper was re-elected to the FIS Council with 109 votes, or 94% of the total available. Gosper has been a FIS Council Member since 2010.

"I have already extended our country’s congratulations to the new FIS President Eliasch on his compelling election," Dean Gosper said. "I wish him every success in his new role. His resounding victory has been well received and offers a powerful mandate. 

“The FIS has incredibly strong foundations, including its people, but the untapped potential is enormous. I am excited about the future and look forward to offering whatever support I can.

I would also like to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Gian Franco Kasper. FIS is in a remarkably strong position due largely to his leadership.  Hopefully, the FIS Family will have the opportunity to thank him in person.” he said. 

Kasper was unanimously voted as FIS Honorary President. Both the new FIS President and Council will serve a shortened term through to the next International Ski Congress, which will take place in late Spring 2022.