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Source: FIS/Swiss Ski

Urs Lehmann

The International Ski Federation (FIS) announced that Urs Lehmann has been appointed Chief Executive Officer, effective at the end of September. Lehmann steps into the role after nearly two decades on the Swiss-Ski Executive Board, where he served as chairman for 17 years.

“I’m very much looking forward to this new challenge,” Lehmann said, noting his intention to act as a “bridge builder” within the organization. FIS President Johan Eliasch and Secretary General Michel Vion welcomed the appointment, describing Lehmann’s addition as key to strengthening the federation’s leadership team.

Background in Swiss skiing

Lehmann, who claimed the downhill world title in 1993, transitioned from athlete to administrator in 2006. Under his leadership, Swiss-Ski regained prominence, winning the Alpine Skiing Nations Cup five times in the past six years. Swiss-Ski Co-President Peter Barandun credited him with making Switzerland the top skiing nation again.

Next steps and transitions

With his new position, Lehmann will resign as president of the Organising Committee for the 2027 Alpine World Ski Championships in Crans-Montana and as Co-President of the Swiss 2038 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Association. Until mid-September, he will remain Co-President of Swiss-Ski alongside Barandun to ensure a smooth handover.

Lehmann will officially begin his tenure at FIS during the federation’s annual autumn meetings from Sept. 23–27.

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