Pierre Genecand, former long-time president of one of Europe’s most prestigious indoor shows, has announced that he will challenge for the Presidency of the International Equestrian Federation. The present incumbent, HRH Princess Haya, concludes her eight-year stint at the helm of equestrian sport’s governing body in December this year.
Although the princess announced last September that she would not seek a third term, there is such a groundswell of support for her to do so that the FEI will vote on the matter at an Extraordinary Session on April 29. Even if national federations vote in favor of a change in the statutes allowing its presidents the opportunity of serving three consecutive four-year terms, there will still be an election, regardless if Haya choses to run in it or not.
Pierre Genecand is the first to make his candidacy public. The Swiss businessman was a hugely successful member of the insurance broking industry before turning his hand to horse show administration in 1989. For 15 years he served as president of CHI Geneva, during which time he was a member of the FEI’s World Cup Committee and the Alliance of Jumping Organizers. He was a member of the Organizing Committee of the 1998 FEI World Equestrian Games in Rome and was involved with the TV coordination of Equestrian Sports at the Olympic Games in Sydney.
A keen businessman, polo enthusiast and breeder, he alternates between homes in Switzerland and Argentina. He speaks five languages and says his travelling gives him “a worldwide vision of equestrian sports.”
Genecand, who turns 64 this month, says that while the FEI has made tremendous progresses under Princess Haya’s leadership, he hopes to apply his own brand of expertise “as well as my never-ending energy” to serve equestrian sport.
“After eight successful years led by a remarkably visionary President, the time has now come for necessary change in order to keep the dynamic of the FEI alive and to stabilize what has been established,” he said.
National Federations will vote for their president during the FEI General Assembly which takes place in Dubai, December 11-14.
Text by Pamela Young © Horse Sport International
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