International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Chief Executive Officer, Urs Lehmann, has stepped down on June 5, 2026, FIS confirmed in a press release. Lehmann’s resignation comes less than one year after he accepted the position in August, 2025. Lehmann is the former president of Swiss Ski, and was a former professional alpine skier.
Lehmann’s resignation is the latest twist in an increasingly turbulent lead-up to next week’s FIS presidential election. According to Swiss newspaper Blick, a disagreement between Lehmann and FIS President Johan Eliasch regarding the federation’s financial situation ultimately led to the split. While Eliasch has maintained that FIS finances are under control, Lehmann reportedly warned Swiss-Ski officials that the organization could face bankruptcy within two years if it continues on its current path.
Turmoil Within FIS
The resignation comes at a pivotal moment for FIS, with major leadership decisions on the horizon. In less than a week, the presidential election will be held in Belgrade on June 11, with Eliasch seeking re-election for his third term. However, a letter signed by 11 federation leaders addressed to all National Ski Associations (NSAs) has called for a change in leadership. The reason? Substantial financial issues and governance failures — exactly what Eliasch and Lehmann were in disagreement about.
“FIS is in a very serious financial situation which has deteriorated significantly over the past five years,” the letter states.
The letter also details a pattern of delayed information sharing and other instances of poor communication, pointing to the billionaire Eliash as responsible.
Eliasch is a dual citizen of both Britain and Switzerland, but neither nation nominated him for re-election. Somehow, Eliasch was able to quickly gain Georgian citizenship before the election and will now run for his third term as a candidate of the Georgian Ski Association.
Lehmann, Swiss-Ski, and a Growing Rift
According to Blick, Lehmann had previously raised concerns with Swiss-Ski about FIS’s financial outlook. He reportedly told federation officials that the situation looked bleak and warned that FIS could be bankrupt within two years if current trends continue.
Swiss-Ski was one of the signatories of the letter calling for leadership change.
The Swiss newspaper further reports that tensions escalated after Lehmann shared those concerns with Swiss-Ski. The disagreement between the CEO and president reportedly deepened as the June election approached.
Lehmann’s resignation letter, obtained by Blick, reportedly cites a structural deficit of approximately CHF 15 million ($18 million USD) per year within FIS. In the letter, Lehmann wrote that information being presented about the federation’s financial situation did “not reflect the real facts” and was ineffective in addressing the organization’s current challenges.
Lehmann also described himself as having joined FIS “as a bridge builder,” but said he had reached a point where the situation had become “no longer bearable.”
“This is not what I hoped for the FIS family,” Lehmann reportedly wrote.
Despite resigning from his position as CEO, the election could still create an opportunity for Lehmann. If Eliasch is voted out on June 11, there is a possibility that Lehmann could return as CEO under new leadership.
Meanwhile, Swiss-Ski President Peter Barandun expressed disappointment over the resignation. “Swiss-Ski and numerous other important member federations had placed great hopes on Urs’s appointment as CEO, anticipating finally constructive cooperation with the FIS,” Barandun told Blick. “The fact that Urs is taking such drastic action after just nine months and only days before the FIS presidential election is further proof that Johan Eliasch is no longer tenable as president. Eliasch sees himself as an autocrat and constantly downplays the disastrous financial situation of the FIS. Urs Lehmann’s refusal to play along speaks volumes about his integrity as well as the seriousness of the situation—and not just the financial one.”
The President Hopefuls
The letter highlighted four potential candidates for president: U.S Ski and Snowboard Chairman Dexter Paine, British Snowsport CEO Victoria Gosling, Denmark’s Anna Harboe Falkenberg, and Liechtenstein’s Alexander Ospelt.
The Future of FIS
The June 11 election results will have a significant impact on the future of FIS. Whether Eliasch is re-elected or not, there is a great desire for change within an organization that faces increasing operational costs, climate pressure, and commercial rights disputes.
Now, with Lehmann’s resignation occurring in the midst of the re-election drama, it is apparent that madness within FIS is just getting started.
