Ingmar De Vos Elected to the International Olympic Committee Executive Board

On February 4, 2026, during the 145th International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session held in Milan, Italy, Belgium's Ingmar De Vos was elected to the Executive Board of the IOC. De Vos, who has held the position of President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) since 2014 and became the President of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) in 2025, garnered a decisive vote in this prestigious election, representing the Summer Olympic Federations.

The election took place just as the world gears up for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, making it a pivotal moment for De Vos as he transitions into his new role. As an IOC member since 2017, De Vos brings significant experience to the table; he was recently re-elected for a four-year term as part of the Executive Board, which comprises the IOC President, four Vice Presidents, and ten members elected during the IOC Session.

"Today’s election is a great honor for me," remarked De Vos. "I am deeply humbled by the result and would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to my fellow IOC Members, many of whom I have had the privilege of working alongside for nearly a decade. This new role comes with substantial responsibility at a time when the Olympic Movement is under review with the 'Fit for the Future' initiative initiated by President Kirsty Coventry."

During his tenure, De Vos aims to enhance the future success of the Olympic Games and the broader Olympic Family by focusing particularly on the role of the International Federations. His objective is to boost the overall appeal, popularity, and long-term sustainability of the Olympic Games.

A Closer Look at Ingmar De Vos's Career

Born on August 5, 1963, in Belgium, Ingmar De Vos holds multiple Master's degrees in political science, international relations, and international and European law from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. His career kicked off in politics as an adviser to the Belgian Senate. However, his passion for sports led him to the Royal Belgian Equestrian Federation, where he served as Secretary General from 1997 to 2011.

In 2011, De Vos was appointed as the Secretary General of the FEI and became its President in 2014, eventually winning re-election for three consecutive terms. His influence does not stop there; he has also been an integral part of various commissions, further showcasing his commitment to enhancing international sport and athletic governance.

With the Olympic Games constantly evolving, Ingmar De Vos’s recent appointment is seen as a progressive step towards adapting to the future of sports in relation to global challenges and the needs of athletes. He is determined to strengthen cooperation among all stakeholders within the Olympic Movement to foster a thriving environment.

As the IOC Executive Board gears up to tackle the challenges ahead, Ingmar De Vos's wealth of experience and strategic vision will be vital in guiding the committee through modern complexities, ensuring that the spirit of the Olympics continues to inspire globally for years to come.

In conclusion, Ingmar De Vos’s election to the IOC Executive Board marks not only a significant personal achievement but also a promising advancement for the Olympics. The upcoming four years will be crucial for shaping the trajectory of the Olympic Movement, and his leadership will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in its success.