In a new development related to Field Hockey, Jason McCracken of New Zealand is all set to join the International Hockey Federation (FIH) as the next CEO of the organization. Jason will replace Kelly Fairweather who’ll be joining the International Tennis Federation (ITF) as the Chief Operating Officer from January’17 after ending his current contract with FIH in December. Kelly Fairweather has been at the helm of affairs of FIH for past six years and has previously worked with IOC as well.
McCracken will take over the Chief Executive’s office in February 2017 following confirmation of his appointment which is an extension of his connect with the world of Field Hockey after his stint as an Olympic and World Cup Umpire, FIH Committee Member and Technical Official for over 20 years.
Having served as the Board member of Hockey New Zealand & played crucial roles in the development of hockey, especially umpiring, both domestically and internationally, McCracken is currently working with the banking group ANZ as the Head of Insurance and Investment Risk; has served as the Technical Delegate of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Tournament Director of the 2014 Men’s Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands.
Speaking about this appointment, FIH President Leandro Negre said, “On behalf of the Executive Board, we are delighted to confirm Jason’s appointment. With his incredible hockey knowledge, from grassroots to elite level, combined with his extensive commercial background as a CEO and an Executive General Manager, it was clear he was the stand-out choice.”
Further talking about the strategic vision related, he added, “Our 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy is already having a significant impact on the sport, but with the new event portfolio due to be implemented over the next couple of years, it is going to be a very important period in hockey’s history. We’re confident Jason can drive forward our ambition through this strategy and we look forward to seeing him shape the sport’s exciting future.”
The incoming CEO Jason McCracken also spoke after confirmation of his appointment, saying, “This is a unique opportunity to combine my commercial skills with my passion and love of the game. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the organisation and work with our Continental Federations, National Associations, commercial partners, the IOC, along with the talented FIH team and my many hockey friends from all over the world.”
Further, talking about the Hockey revolution, he added, “It is an incredibly exciting time for the FIH, with the Hockey Revolution transforming the sport. With the new event portfolio to be implemented over the coming years this is certainly a challenge that I am looking forward to. As hockey’s new CEO, I will be leading by example as we aim to make hockey a global game that inspires the next generation.”
Kelly Fairweather will leave the organisation in December after handing over his duties to the FIH Director of Sport and Development, David Luckes, until McCracken joins in on 1 February 2017.
The FIH Presidential elections is also pending this November and will be held on November 12, 2016 during the 45th FIH Congress in Dubai which will seek the successor of Leandro Negre. President of Hockey India, Narinder Batra is seen as the front runner in the run for leading the International Field Hockey ahead.