The FEI is changing. From an obscure rule-producing administration earning its revenues by taxing the sport to becoming a dynamic organisation whose focus is resolutely aimed towards its members, and in the process, proving to be a reliable partner and inspirational leader whose vision and expertise are of value to all stakeholders.

Charity begins at home, they say, and before it can truly champion the sport, the FEI needs to reform itself, its own structure and working methods. The process has already begun and an improved internal structure was put in place as of 1 January 2007.

The new structure is as follows: The Secretary General, Michael Stone, ensures the leadership of the management and staff, and is as such, the chief executive of the FEI. The workflow is divided into key areas, which are placed under the responsibility of four Executive Directors: Harald Müller, Executive Director Development and Sports; Alex McLin, Executive Director Legal and Information Systems; Christophe Troendle, Executive Director Commercial and Communications; and Neerja Tannan, Executive Director Finance, Administration and Human Resources. The Executive Directors then form the senior management team and report to the Secretary General.

The former Heads or Managers of the Sports Departments are now Directors of their respective disciplines, thus providing a title which fully reflects the responsibility attached to the management and running of the sport. There are six Directors: John Roche, Jumping and FEI World CupTM Jumping; Eva Salomon, Dressage, FEI World CupTM Dressage and Reining; Catrin Norinder, Eventing, FEI World CupTM Eventing and Olympic Games; Ian Williams, Endurance, Driving, FEI World CupTM Driving and Para-Equestrian; Jacqueline Braissant, Sports Development; and Frits Sluyter, Veterinary. While Nici Kennedy is the Manager of Vaulting and Youth.

The role of the Executive Sports Director was much debated and at first it was even considered that there was no necessity for such a position as the Directors would report directly to the Secretary General who has a full grasp and understanding of the sport. However, as the Sports Departments face many common issues and problems, central coordination and common standards were required. The FEI Executive and Sports Director therefore manages the administration of the Sports Departments, develops and directs the implementation of goals, objectives, policies and working procedures, leads and manages all business, financial, programmatic and operational activities of Sport and Development.

Thanks to this new vision, the FEI Headquarters have been empowered as never before. But increased responsibility goes hand in hand with greater accountability and professional working methods. A solid foundation has been laid but further efforts are still needed in order to achieve a fully modernised and efficient FEI. It is an exciting enterprise and reflects an FEI that has the energy, passion and faith to claim its rightful place at the heart of horsesport.

Facing the future with a fresh determination and a firm grasp on the past and the lessons learned...