Johan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 - Insidethegames
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Johan Eliasch To the FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 next level
Johan Eliasch 1
FIS Presidential Candidate 2021
In this manifesto “Johan cares. He will only start
something he means to finish. FIS
has huge opportunities ahead and
today he commits his energy and
experience to support its significant
expansion. It will be exciting,
challenging, uplifting and successful”.
Rory Tapner
Chair, GB Snowsport
Contents
Introduction 2
Feedback from dialogue 6
About Johan Eliasch 7
Commercial engagement and proposals 10
Governance and proposals 13
National Snowsport associations and proposals 16
Johan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 2
Introduction
Our Presidential election is a critical My background and experience is set
milestone in the history of FIS. Your out in the CV on pages 8 and 9. However
choice of President will inevitably in summary, my past successful track
define our future direction, and do so record has included sport, international
at an exciting and expanding moment sports marketing, business, innovation,
in the world of professional and Politics, international negotiations, foreign
recreational sport. I have spent much policy, trade, governance and climate
of my life working in an entrepreneurial change – all of which will be relevant
environment - challenging norms, to the role of President, and to which
growing businesses, whilst also seeking I would devote my time and attention.
to engage in areas of particular interest
and concern to me. Sport has formed Over the past 9 months, I have published
the substantial part of my focus, 3 documents designed to generate
whether Summer or Winter related. a dialogue with National Snowsport
Associations (NSAs). My ambition in
In standing to become your next presenting these documents is partly
President, I hope to bring my designed to initiate such a dialogue. But,
international and organisational it also indicates that there are always
experience to help navigate the complex alternative strategies available to any
world of professional sport. If maintaining organisation, as it adapts and channels
the status quo is your preference, its power and influence for the good of
then other candidates will be a better those it serves. The role of President is
choice. But I firmly believe that FIS has to represent our sport in its entirety, and
solid foundations on which a truly special I plan to continue with broad and regular
sporting platform can be built. Change for interaction with all our members. Many of
the sake of change is not my approach. you already know me, and some are new
Incremental, step by step reform, is friends. I am easily accessible and, more
my preference. So, if you want to take importantly, keen to listen and engage.
advantage of the changing landscape These are necessary attributes of a
of professional sport and the media future President of FIS.
opportunities that abound, in addition
to the current activities of FIS, then I am
your candidate.
3
“His passion and experience During my interactions with many we seek to properly represent all of our Council and NSAs have a duty to lead and
in our sport is unrivalled, of you, the vast majority favour FIS wide and diverse membership. Levelling develop our business for the benefit of all.
increasing its investment in our NSAs the playing field between nations should Widening participation would be good for
and yet Johan has not yet and seeking to grow recreational and provide the opportunity for massive health and wellbeing; becoming a leading
lent his hand to what we athletic participation globally. Across our growth in participation rates, whether voice in the climate change debate would
multiple disciplines and formats, if we athletic or fan based. Finding novel ways be a natural extension of our role of
do every day... As an athlete, optimise our commercial rights, we will of providing greater access for all to promoting our sports; creating exhilarating
I can’t wait to see what he create a virtuous circle of funding for new training, to coaching development and to entertainment for TV and social media
will deliver”. investment opportunities. Significant new competitive equipment will be part of my audiences would increase our reach;
thinking needs to be applied to how we vision for FIS. re-investing and controlling a growing
Lindsey Vonn deal with TV rights, streaming rights and share of our media rights into our NSAs
social media more broadly. FIS serves its NSAs, as well as its and new events would grow our revenues;
athletes, coaches, support teams, and investing more in the safety of all
All representative organisations strive technicians, volunteers and fans. We athletes, and their well-being, both during
to improve their governance and also have obligations to the staff at and post careers is an obligation we
transparency. As outlined below, we have FIS to create and manage a working should take seriously.
more reason than many to accelerate environment conducive to an open and
our focus on this critical subject, whilst diverse atmosphere. Our Congress,
“Johan is uniquely qualified to bring his “Johan brings top level expertise and experience in 4
outstanding commercial credentials and the area of climate change and I know his ambition
extensive networks to a sport he loves and to elevate the climate crisis where and when
understands. We will have a very bright and appropriate will help all of us.
successful future under his leadership” His international experience provides a background
Hermann Maier with deep understanding of multi-cultural needs
and it will benefit in many ways.”
John Kerry, United States Special Presidential Envoy for Climate
I believe all organisations need
to look inside themselves, and
compare and contrast their plans
and ambitions against external
opportunities and challenges.
Without doubt the international sporting You will be aware that I also have a
world has become “big entertainment” passion for furthering the debate, and
and highly competitive. Today the funding response to, the issues of climate
available is beyond recognition even from change. In our particular outdoor
a decade ago. But we will need to adapt, sporting arena, we are heavily exposed
step by step, to ensure our share of that to issues such as weather pattern
greater pie is captured for the benefit changes, and erratic snowfall. If elected
of snowsport. Our fan base is large, but as your President, I would seek to raise
not as engaged as it might be. That’s our voice, and influence, in this critical
the challenge – how do we upgrade the debate and ask that the Environment and
interaction with a growing fan base, with Sustainability be regular agenda items.
the ultimate aim of allowing our athletes
to build successful careers both during
and after their snowsport pursuits?
I believe that as a global sport, which
has significant professional and
recreational participation, we must have
a holistic approach. Unlike so many
other sports, we can represent many
different aspects – be it professional
competitions, tourism or lifestyle.
Johan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 5
My own ambition in standing for this prestigious “I am supporting Johan. With his
role is to help, and to serve FIS, our members, connections and know-how, he will
athletes, staff and volunteers. I have already push our sports further. He will add
stated that, if elected, I will not draw any
remuneration as your President, and I would
many new assets to lead FIS into
immediately step down from my role as CEO of a bright future.”
HEAD to dedicate my efforts to our cause. Franz Klammer
I truly believe there is so much more It would be my great privilege to serve as
that can be achieved from the rock solid your President, working closely with the
foundations laid over many years by team at FIS. I would dedicate my time in
Gian-Franco Kasper and your Council. office to help build and grow our sport,
That’s the opportunity, and it will be and improve the prospects of those
achieved by dialogue and engagement who participate. There is no doubt that
like never before. We must find ways to the seeds have been sown for a bright
expand the activities of all our NSAs. The and successful future for FIS, and all
following pages set out my thoughts, stakeholders. The 2020/21 season has
based on discussions and your feedback been a remarkable demonstration of our
from my earlier “dialogue documents”. organisation’s resilience and tenacity,
These are the areas I recommend be and all who work at FIS are to be
reviewed and where opportunity exists congratulated.
for growth and improvement.
Working together we are an unbeatable
Finally, the roles of President, of force with huge untapped potential to
Council members and of Congress are make a difference. I Look forward to
representative ones. Because not all creating a special team to work with and
members have equal voting rights, it is serve all of you.
all the more critical that we govern well
and transparently, for the benefit of all Best wishes to all our members,
stakeholders, both current and future.
The past is behind us: we learn, we
evolve, and we reminisce. But we
should not allow the past to hold us
back from capitalising on a thriving
and growing opportunity. Johan Eliasch
Johan Eliasch 6
FIS Presidential Candidate 2021
Feedback from
our dialogue
Formats Investment
Goals Funding Welfare
I started the dialogue and consultation
More coaching Equal opportunities
All Snowsports
process with you all several months ago.
Integration
I have thoroughly enjoyed the process,
feedback and of course the insights. Climate change
More engagement
Younger audience
This manifesto has been built on the
Snow
Hall of fame
themes and ideas represented in this
Digital
word montage - words which have been Behaviours
gathered during our dialogue.
Resilience
Evolving futureStrategic
I feel they encapsulate a collective
aspiration, and already demonstrate
a unity and common desire to move
forward. I very much hope the words
Energy
Athletes
resonate with you.
Equipment Dialogue
Recreation
Values Silos
Global
Travel
Technology
New venues Changing media
Social media
Transparency Experts
Smaller nations
Participation European
Johan Eliasch 7
FIS Presidential Candidate 2021
About
Johan Eliasch
“The British Olympic Association is delighted to support “I fully support Johan Eliasch’s bid to become the next
Johan’s nomination to become the next President of FIS. President of the International Ski Federation (FIS).
He brings a unique combination of business expertise and His deep passion for snowsport, and interest in the
a passion for the sport that will deliver for FIS, the Olympic challenge of climate change, has been outstandingly
family and the wider world of sport in years to come”. demonstrated in his engagement on these issues over
many years. From my time working alongside Johan,
The Rt Hon, Sir Hugh Robertson, Chairman, British Olympic Association.
when I was Mayor of London, and from his 25 years
experience in the snowsport world, I know he would
make an excellent President of FIS”.
The Rt Hon, Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
Johan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 8
CV
Johan Eliasch Military Service
Born 1962, Life Guard Dragoons,
Stockholm, Sweden. K1, Stockholm, Sweden (1980-81).
British and Swedish citizen
Member GB Snowsport.
Education Sport
Master of Science, British Olympic Association
Royal Institute of Technology, Advisory Board (2003-12)
Stockholm,
Sweden 1984 Director,
www.kth.se British Paralympics Association
(2002-2009)
Bachelor of Business Administration,
Stockholm University, Stockholm, Director of the Board,
Sweden 1984 IMG
www.su.se. (2006–13)
Active participation in:
Skiing, golf, tennis, curling, sailing,
football, ice hockey and motor racing.
Johan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 9
CV
Political, Foreign Affairs, Philanthropic, Environmental,
Security and Climate Change Business Innovation and Arts
Special Representative of the Prime Member of the Austrian President’s Chief Executive Officer, Founder, Rainforest Trust
Minister of the United Kingdom delegation of State for Trade and Industry HEAD (1995-) (2005-)
(2007-10) (1996–2006)
Chairman, London Films Director, Foundation for Renewable
Eliasch Review, Climate Change – Chairman, Young Conservatives Party, (1990-) Energy and Environment, NYC, NY
Financing Global Forests (2008) Djursholm, Sweden (2012-)
(1979–1982) Director of the Board,
President, Global Strategy Forum, UK Pitch@Palace (2019-21) International Advisory Board,
(2005-) Chairman, Food, Energy and Water Stockholm Resilience Centre,
Security Program, RUSI, UK Chairman, Investcorp Europe Stockholm, Sweden
Chairman of the Net Zero Review (2010-2016) (2010-2014) (2010-)
Technology and Innovation Advisory
Group, HM Treasury, UK (2020-) Council for Sustainable Business, Chairman, Director, Co-Founder and Co-Chair,
Department for Environment, Starr Managing Agents Cool Earth, UK
Party Deputy Treasurer, Food and Rural Affairs, UK (2008-2015) (2005-)
Conservative Party, UK (2003–07) (2018-19).
Chairman, Aman Resorts Trustee of the Kew Foundation,
Advisor to the Leaders and the Shadow (2014-18) Royal Botanical Society, UK
Foreign Secretaries of the opposition, the (2010-2016)
Conservative Party, UK (1998–2007) and Advisory Board,
Societe du Louvre Advisory Board,
Advisor to the Mayor of London’s (2005-2015). The Centre for Social Justice, UK
(Boris Johnson), Rome’s and Jerusalem’s (2004–2015)
International Business Advisory Councils
(2008-2016) Chairman, The Saatchi Gallery,
London, UK (2017-).Johan Eliasch 10
FIS Presidential Candidate 2021
Commercial
engagement
“In Johan FIS will find a commercial “Johan has just amazing energy. “If Johan puts his considerable
match for the very best athletic talent. He will drive FIS towards greater skills and experience behind
He’s your president, and brings success as he has done with making FIS a commercial success
an international and multi-cultural everything else.” I would be betting on an exciting
background too.” and digital future”.
John McEnroe
Bjorn Borg Bobby Kotick, CEO ActivisionJohan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 11
Commercial engagement
Without doubt our sports are capable of Increasingly technology is being used to
attracting larger audiences. But scale is analyse and adapt technique, equipment
not everything - we also need to find ways and approach, all of which could also
of transforming an occasional viewer be made available to viewers and fans
into an engaged and dedicated fan of through traditional channels or social
our multiple sports. We tend to think of media. The more interactive our visual
our disciplines in silos, and hence, we output, the more engaged and therefore
plan our events that way. Those silos also commercial, a viewer becomes.
extend to gender, in that we have few
events when male and female athletes There is a balance to be struck,
compete over the same weekend on the between the fundamental values of
same courses, jumps and tracks. our sports, and entertainment. But we
should aim to increase the commercial
Technology also provides a remarkable revenues of FIS through multiple
opportunity to take the viewing public different channels, creating a virtuous
right inside our sport, offering them circle of investment back into our
a window through which they can NSAs, helping to widen participation
understand the skill and athleticism and increase media coverage.
of our sports stars, and that of their
support teams. We need to establish greater control over
our different media rights - which are far
more valuable as a global package.
“Johan is a passionate wintersports enthusiast. He wants
to achieve higher goals with us and really cares about the
core of our sports. It is important to attract new audiences,
especially younger people. With his leadership and
networks I am sure he will bring fresh ideas to build on
solid foundations. ”
Hans KnaussJohan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021
“Intelligent, urbane, insightful on world affairs.
That is Johan. He knows the business of
Snowsport. He brings vision and optimism”.
Damon Hill
Commercial engagement
My proposals
State of the art media Review of formats and scheduling to snowsport. The review might naturally Advisory forum
I propose that we implement state of the I propose that we conduct an in-depth extend to how we increase our media I propose that we create an Advisory
art media and technology formats now formal review of the formats and and fan based coverage for all disciplines Forum of experts from many
being delivered by other sports. We could scheduling of our events for the benefit closer to the level enjoyed by Alpine. backgrounds to help guide FIS as it
use viewer engagement techniques such of athletes, sponsors, broadcasters assesses its future vision and strategy.
as shows and documentaries covering and viewers. We can look to extend Breaking down barriers This will not be a decision making
resorts, athletes, race departments, and and optimise seasons to reduce I propose that we review participation forum. It would provide us with unrivalled
interactive telemetry. intensity, thereby helping to decrease rates across all FIS member nations, to access to advice from the best and
athlete injuries and increase longevity then identify and implement solutions most experienced minds in areas
Allocating resource in our sports. We could create more designed to break down barriers to such as sports marketing, media and
I propose that we add significant opportunities for new member nations greater participation. It is clear from entertainment.
executive leadership and management to host events. We could review the my discussions that there is appetite
resource to activities such as social feasibility of combining male and female from some of our smaller nations to
media, the FIS app and website, events more often to attract a more become more prominent players, and
international sports marketing, content diverse public. also from some larger nations with large
production, branding and digital media populations who are not yet significant
management. We should also add skills Engaging the fan base snowsport nations. This indicates the
and experience to facilitate an integrated, We should find formats to allow for options available to us. Finding solutions
and value added, rights management continuous live media coverage, and to streaming live coverage of events
approach for our NSAs. increase the number of night time events will make our sports more accessible,
where feasible. As we review formats, particularly where TV rights are less
we can also review synergies across our easily negotiated.
disciplines, seeking to increase the fan
base of each from those naturally drawnJohan Eliasch 13
FIS Presidential Candidate 2021
“Johan loves snowsports but he uniquely
understands the challenges all the
stakeholders face as we work to grow
and improve our activities. He deeply
understands the business that makes
these sports possible, and the needs and
perspectives of the athletes - that is very
different from other corporate leaders.
His success and leadership would
make him a good FIS President, but his
empathy, understanding, and forward
Governance
thinking approach will make him a
great FIS President.”
Ted Ligety
“I have known Johan for many years
and believe he has the global view, the
industrial expertise and the media content
know-how to take FIS to the next level and
capitalise on its historical success and
development. As usual, Johan has thought
this through.”
Sir Martin SorrellJohan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 14
Governance
FIS is a representative body. We serve In many respects FIS has both a strong
those we represent. However, we track record in following its own rules and
must also lead and act as a catalyst for regulations as well as an excellent Sports
change if we are to take advantage of the Integrity structure. That is to be expected.
opportunities available. Ensuring that we But regulations, over time, need to be
take well researched decisions, based on reviewed to ensure their original purpose
the best interests of our membership, is a is still relevant and delivering to the
vital component in how any organisation expectations of members. Dynamic
moves forward with pace and purpose. governance, combined with a willingness
to change, and the confidence to be
There is a direct link between good, transparent, is the hallmark of excellence
modern and transparent governance and in any representative organisation.
the commercial prospects of our sports,
especially for advertisers and sponsors.
But it is important to recognise that
almost all our member nations, in some
form or another, receive public funding,
and hence, again the onus is on us to
be seen to govern well, and therefore
to be investable.Johan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 15
“I have never doubted Johan’s
ability to deliver constructive
challenge and decisive
Governance intelligent strategic planning
My proposals when needed...”
Sir John Ritblat, President, GB Snowsport
I have received feedback from many Diversity Voice of the Nations Formal committee structures
nations, which results in the following I propose that we adopt goals for a much I propose that we guarantee a Council I propose that we establish a formal
recommendations which I would improved gender balance within each seat to represent our smaller sized committee structure of the Council to
propose if elected as your President: level of our organisation. This will help one and two vote nations. Throughout include a Nominations and Remuneration
embed a diverse leadership population the year, we need to ensure the Committee, an Audit Committee and
Term limits and provide concrete succession plans President and Council are able (not just an Environment, Sustainability and
I propose that we introduce term limits to deliver a sustainable organisation fit at a Congress meeting) to represent the Governance Committee. This is in line
for our President. for purpose. views of all nations for good governance, with current governance best practice.
and this will help expand our market
Strategic Plan Voice of the athletes and footprint beyond our traditional These committees can oversee much of
I propose that we develop and publish I propose that we conduct a review of outlets. the detailed work which might otherwise
a Strategic Plan, having engaged widely alternative ways for engaging the voice be handled in Council, and will ensure
with the membership. This plan would of the athletes, both current and past, Virtual meetings greater time and focus is spent on
be reviewed on an annual basis. and the voice of the support and I propose that we formally embed the critical issues. The ESG Committee
technical teams. We need to find an ability of Congress and Council to meet should also be charged with reviewing
Regular meetings appropriate, genuine and consistent electronically. It is to be welcomed that our Governance and Working Practices
I propose that the Council meets at least source of athlete views and concerns, the June 2021 meetings will be held on an annual basis, and review our
four times a year. and generate new ideas for improving virtually – however many organisations commitments to environmental concerns
everything we do for them. adapted to this new world over 12 and reducing our carbon footprint.
Executive Committee months ago. By changing now, this
I propose that our Executive Committee Given the vast array of different will facilitate more, and more regular,
be re-constituted with regular meetings, disciplines with different cultures, this meetings of Congress and Council.
fit for purpose in a modern organisation. will not be an easy task, but we should Clearly in person meetings must also
The membership should be approved by not shy away from it because it is difficult. take place, but the added flexibility
the Council and would ensure all activity The athletes are our most important provided by electronic communication
and decision making between Council stakeholders. will be beneficial.
meetings is debated and concluded by a
small group of named officials.Johan Eliasch 16
FIS Presidential Candidate 2021
“It would be great to see some change
and have FIS lead by someone like Johan
who is looking to embrace all Snowsport
Our National
disciplines at the highest levels”
Charlotte Bankes
Snowsport “Johan is a doer. If he sets his mind to
something he usually delivers. Action
Associations
speaks louder than words. I wish him
all the best.”
Aksel Lund Svindal
“We all know our sports could be doing
more. Cheers for Johan if he leads us into
a modern, successful, growing new world.”
Alexis Pinturault
“I know Johan has unique skills which will
unite and make Wintersports what it can,
and deserves to be.”
Franz WeberJohan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 17
Our National
Snowsport Associations
FIS is the international representative Complex change for our organisation
organisation for our sports; however risks causing tense relations between
our reach into each snowsport nation nations. As such, if we are to review this
and their pathways is dependent on our space it will require an independent lead
NSAs. We have a multitude of choices to help FIS assess the best way forward.
as to how we interact with NSAs, but to But review it we must if we are to use
date the relationship has been, in too our considerable strengths to grow
many cases, distant. participation. An independent adviser
would immediately see the potential
I would like to find ways to bring scale of opportunity. But we need to
these relationships to life, to create assess whether impetus from FIS is
an environment in which FIS can the best way to generate interest, and
consider investing in the work of our then develop plans to be funded and
NSAs, beyond the elite level and event implemented.
management. We have ample resources
- financial, human and experience which Why are the smaller nations
could be deployed to create our future, so important?
not just to support the current. My ambition, in seeking a more
level playing field and offering wider
This is about how we significantly participation in the governance of
expand our own footprint across a much FIS, is to build and broaden interest
wider community, thereby increasing the in our sports, whether competitive,
commercial opportunities for FIS and recreational or fan based, such that
our NSAs. As we all know, the average our commercial footprint grows.
age of participants in our sports is With greater revenues, we can invest
rising. We need to reverse this trend and in more opportunities and build a
appeal to a younger and more socially virtuous circle of growth benefiting
aware population. all our member nations.Johan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 18
Our National
Snowsport Associations
My proposals
In this critical area, beyond proposing “I am really cheering for
an independent strategic review of how
we grow our sports, I would wish, in my Johan. He’s always looking
first year as your President to do the for the best options and
following:
solutions, looking forward
Fixed distributions with passion. To bring the
I propose that we increase our annual passion back to the kids.”
distributions to NSAs and that
they be fixed at that level for the next Lizzie GÖrgl
4 years to help all nations plan their
future growth.
Level playing field
I propose that we commit to delivering “Whatever he does, he
a level playing field with equal
opportunities for athletes of all NSAs does it with passion and
to train. at full speed. He will be
I propose that we add more resources
able to bring wintersports
for coaching development with a to the next level. That´s
particular emphasis on helping new why I support him!”
nations to prosper and grow.
Patrick Ortlieb
I propose that we arrange for the
equipment manufacturers to supply
competitive equipment at low cost
which should be accessible to all NSAs.Johan Eliasch FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 19
“Johan has an unwavering passion for snowsport, which
when coupled with his success as an international
businessman, both within and outside Winter sports, I am
confident that his unique skillset offers FIS the direction and
excitement the modern racing community requires.
Aleksander Aamodt Kilde
Our National
Snowsport Associations
My proposals
Reducing cost and complexity Engaging all nations
I propose that we review our calendar I propose that we increase engagement
to minimise travel costs and complexity, with our smaller nations, and find new
with added benefits for our athletes and ways to enable them to participate
their support teams. fully in FIS events. Through this
greater engagement they will gain
Skiing for everyone insights enabling them to expand their
I propose that we reinstate our own ambitions.
Recreational Committee and place
more focus on recreational snowsport Integrating media rights
and tourism. Growing our sports from I propose that we look to extract
grassroots is critical to the future health synergies for our NSAs by an integrated
of the top levels of competition and approach to optimising the value of
developing our fanbase. sponsorship and TV rights.
New hosts and venues
I propose that we encourage proposals
from nations who have not hosted a
World Cup event, but have world class
facilities, to come forward for discussions.
This will entail a review of our calendar
of events as well, in line with the idea of
optimising the season from start to finish.Johan Eliasch 20 FIS Presidential Candidate 2021 “If all our NSAs, involving thousands of people, were to embrace a common vision and move in the same direction, FIS can become an incredible force for future good - I want to help make this happen.” Thank you Johan Eliasch
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