A page is turning for the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Xavier Gonzalez, its executive director, returns the keys to his office this Friday, March 22. He joined the organization in 2002, as director of the Paralympic Games, before being named interim director general. A temporary position transformed into a full-time position in 2004. Xavier Gonzalez has overseen eight editions of the Paralympic Games since joining the IPC. The Catalan, aged 59, was initially due to leave his post in 2021, after the Tokyo Games, but his departure has been brought forward. “ It became clear that the right time had come for a change of direction”, he explained after a meeting this week with the Council of the international organization. When it arrived in 2002, the IPC employed around ten people in Bonn, Germany, its world headquarters. The organization was threatened with bankruptcy. It now has 115 employees and can rely on a marketing partnership agreement signed with the IOC, extended last year until 2032. Mike Peters, the current director of operations, will act as interim manager. executive director starting next week.
— Published March 22, 2019
