Change of era at the International Ski Federation (FIS). After the very long Gian-Franco Kasper episode (1998-2021), the body has chosen a Swedish-British billionaire, Johan Eliasch, to preside over its destiny over the next year. The head of the Head group was elected last weekend without leaving the slightest illusion to his three rivals. Nominated by the British federation, Johan Eliasch won the election in the first round of voting, with 54% of the vote (65 votes). He beat the Swiss Urs Lehmann, credited with 21% (26 votes), the British Sarah Lewis (12% / 15 votes), and the Swede Mats Arjes (11% / 13 votes). At 59 years old, Johan Eliasch succeeds the Swiss Gian-Franco Kasper, 77 years old, who was absent for medical reasons from the FIS congress organized in virtual mode. Johan Eliasch is elected for one year, in order to complete the mandate that Gian-Franco Kasper had wished to shorten. He will be able to seek a full 4-year term next spring. The new strong man in world skiing has dual Swedish and British nationality. “ I am incredibly touched to have been chosen as president, commented Johan Eliasch after the announcement of the results. I would like to thank the FIS for organizing such a professional virtual congress. I would particularly like to express my gratitude to Gian-Franco Kasper, whom I have known for many years. We wouldn't all be sitting here today without him. I will be engaged, open-minded and transparent. I want to be a president who represents all nations and all disciplines. » After the presidential election, the FIS congress proceeded with the election of the 16 members of the Council. Frenchman Michel Vion was re-elected by a wide margin, with 109 votes, as were two of Johan Eliasch's defeated rivals, Urs Lehmann and Mats Arjes.
