FIH names South African Fairweather as CEO

Kelly Fairweather of South Africa has taken over as the CEO of the International Hockey Federation as successor to Christophe Troendle, who is retiring as FIH's Director General at the end of this month.

Fairweather, who will join FIH in October, is a former high level player and coach, the international hockey body said in its latest newsletter.

Fairweather is a former Director of the European Regional Office and IF Relations of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and Director of Sport at the International Olympic Committee (IOC), working very closely with FIH.

"I 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," said Fairweather about his new job.

"The 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," he added.

FIH chief Leandro Negre said the world hockey body would benefit from Fairweather's appointment.

"I am pleased that Kelly accepted our proposal. We have a lot of expectations of his knowledge of the world of sports," Negre said.

"With Kelly's background and experience, I am sure that he will be a fantastic leader of our professional team," said FIH's Secretary General Peter Cohen.