Tayyab Ikram has seemingly strengthened his grip at the helm of world hockey after the FIH appointed several new positions under his presidency.
The FIH has been without a CEO since Thierry Weil left Lausanne in November 2023 and Ikram admitting to THP last year that the world governing body was in no rush to seek a replacement.
Last week, the FIH appointed Mike Joyce as its new director general, having headed the FIH’s education and development department for the last seven years.
Meanwhile, FIH interim senior operations director Diana Capsa will take on the new position of chief operating officer, while Elisabeth Fürst, a seasoned hockey administrator, has taken up the role of chief sports officer.
Ikram was re-elected as FIH president in 2024.
“It provided us with a big challenge,” he told THP of Weil’s exit last year. “I see it on the other side and I am optimistic. It provided us with some space to look at us in the office and what can be improved and how we can improve.
“There is an opportunity to look at our operational leadership. We are not in a hurry. We are delivering good things. It is taking up a little bit more of my time but I am happy.”
Of the new appointments, Joyce brings a wealth of experience in sports and the Olympic movement which involves roles at the International Olympic Committee, FIH and England Hockey.
As part of his responsibilities, Joyce will focus on strategic work and ensure implementation of the decisions and policies of the FIH Congress, executive board and president.
