FIDE Unveils New President’s Office with Key Appointments Across Global and Social Development

FIDE reshapes leadership structure with major appointments

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) announced on 26 October 2026 a series of key appointments to its President’s Office, signalling a significant overhaul of the organisation’s management framework.

The newly restructured President’s Office, led by Adil Kozhikhov, will centre its efforts on delivering the Federation’s strategic priorities and deepening international cooperation. Its mandate includes working closely with partners and national chess federations, as well as coordinating high-priority projects and initiatives across the chess world.

Special Representatives take on global mandates

Three officials have been named Special Representatives of the President, each charged with a distinct portfolio that spans the Federation’s most pressing institutional goals.

• Emil Sutovsky has been appointed Chief Executive Adviser, where he will manage FIDE’s relationships with its most important strategic partners, design major partnership initiatives, and carry out special assignments directly from the President.
• Victor Bologan takes on the role of Special Representative for Global Development, focusing on chess development worldwide, strengthening ties with national federations, overseeing the FIDE Development Fund, and driving major digitalisation projects to modernise the Federation’s operations.
• Dana Reizniece-Ozola has been named Special Representative for Social Development, where she will oversee the design and delivery of social projects in collaboration with national federations and partners, expanding access to chess and promoting its use as a tool for social inclusion and community development.

Representatives expand reach across priority areas

Four additional representatives have been appointed to strengthen FIDE’s footprint in specific regions and thematic areas.

• Mohamed Al-Mudahka joins as Representative for International Relations, contributing to the strengthening of FIDE’s ties with countries and organisations worldwide.
• Akaki Iashvili has been named Representative for Special Projects, where he will coordinate and deliver initiatives that require dedicated support and close cooperation with members of the chess community.
• Willy Iclicki serves as Representative for Chess Participation, with a particular emphasis on broadening engagement among amateur players, seniors, and communities in Small Nations.
• Zhu Chen has been appointed Head of the FIDE Shenzhen Office, where she will lead the Federation’s regional projects and support implementation across the area.

A new chapter for FIDE governance

The appointments form part of a broader restructuring effort intended to create a clearer distribution of responsibilities and enable more effective project delivery across the Federation. The new model places special emphasis on the active involvement of the President’s representatives in advancing FIDE’s priority areas, drawing on their professional experience and extensive international networks.

FIDE has stated that combining the deep expertise of professionals who have long contributed to international chess with these updated management approaches will help reinforce cooperation with national federations and partners around the globe.

Source

This report is based on information published by FIDE — International Chess Federation.

Official source: https://www.fide.com/fide-announces-new-appointments-to-the-presidents-office/