De Vos Named New FEI President

Belgian Ingmar De Vos has been elected as President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) after earning 98 votes out of a possible 131 in the first round of voting.

De Vos, no rx 51, online who has been the Secretary General of the FEI since May 2011, was elected to take charge of the world governing body of equestrian sport during the FEI General Assembly in Baku.

The result was announced by outgoing President HRH Princess Haya, who simply said: “I am pleased to announce we have a new FEI President, Ingmar De Vos”.

“I’m really very honoured and overwhelmed by this enormous support and I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your confidence. Baku will be in my memory forever,” said De Vos.

“Elections are always difficult, as it splits a little bit the family, but I guarantee that I will be the president of all of you, I will serve all the members of our community and I will work very hard to keep this unity.”

After his election, De Vos received a letter of congratulations from IOC President Thomas Bach.

The letter read: “Please accept my congratulations on your election as President of the International Equestrian Federation. The IOC enjoys a long-standing relationship with FEI, its elected members and administration.

“We are sure that FEI will continue its growth under your leadership. Your previous experience in different positions of the Equestrian sports will be invaluable for you in this new office.

“On behalf of the IOC and the entire Olympic Movement, I wish you every success in the new role you are undertaking.”

De Vos takes over the reins as FEI President for a four-year term, and is eligible for re-election for up to three consecutive terms.

He has stepped down from his role as Secretary General with immediate effect and will appoint an interim Secretary General to take over the role until a permanent replacement is found.