EEF congratulates Ingmar De Vos on election to IOC Executive Board

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) warmly congratulates FEI President Ingmar De Vos (BEL) on his election to the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in his quality as representative of the Summer Olympic International Federations.

The election took place on 4 February 2026 during the 145th IOC Session in Milan (ITA), in the lead up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. An IOC Member since 2017, Ingmar De Vos was elected by secret ballot by his fellow IOC Members for a four-year term and will assume his new role following the conclusion of the Session on 22 February 2026.

The IOC Executive Board is the Olympic Movement’s supreme governing body, responsible for overseeing the management of the organisation and implementing the decisions taken by the IOC Session. Welcoming his election, De Vos described it as “a great honour” and expressed his sincere gratitude to his fellow IOC Members, alongside whom he has had the privilege of working for nearly a decade.

Acknowledging the significant responsibility that comes with the position at a time when the Olympic Movement is undergoing a profound review as part of the “Fit for the Future” process initiated by President Kirsty Coventry, De Vos underlined his commitment to contributing to the future success of the Olympic Games, the IOC and the Olympic Family. As ASOIF President, he emphasised that he would give special attention to the role of the International Federations within the Olympic Movement, with the shared objective of enhancing the popularity, appeal and long-term sustainability of the Olympic Games.

“Ingmar De Vos’s election to the IOC Executive Board is a significant moment for equestrian sport,” said EEF President Quentin Simonet. “His election to the highest level of Olympic governance is a strong testament to his deep understanding of and commitment to the Olympic Movement, and more broadly to the crucial dynamism of equestrian sport within an evolving Olympic landscape.

“His presence will continue to reinforce a clear, informed, and credible voice rooted in equestrian expertise. The European Equestrian Federation warmly congratulates him on this important milestone and looks forward with confidence to the impact of his leadership across his broad responsibilities, particularly in inspiring youth, shaping an Olympics fit for the future, and safeguarding the enduring and strategic place of equestrian sport within the Olympic Movement.”

Ingmar De Vos has served as President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) since 2014 and as President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) since 2025. A co-founder of the European Equestrian Federation, he served as EEF Secretary General from 2010 to 2011, contributing to the establishment and early development of the organisation.

The EEF looks forward to continuing its close cooperation with Ingmar De Vos in support of the interests of European equestrian sport and its strong representation within the Olympic Movement.

The FEI press release announcement can be viewed here.