Matthias Remund to replace Eric Saintrond as FISU Secretary General

The current director of FOSPO, Switzerland’s highest sport authority, will join the International University Sports Federation at the beginning of 2025. He will be working with two Deputy Secretaries General, Paulo Ferreira and Fernando Parente, who are at present General Director and Director of Development at FISU.

After over 40 years at the International University Sports Federation, Eric Saintrond (64) has decided to step down from his position of Secretary General/CEO. He will be replaced by Matthias Remund (60), who is currently the Director of Switzerland’s Federal Office of Sport (FOSPO).

“Having taken part in four FISU World University Games as a student-athlete, I had firsthand experience of what an organisation like FISU can do to help one’s sporting, intellectual and personal developments, stated the FOSPO Director, who competed in cross-country skiing. Through its activities, the International University Sports Federation encourages international and intercultural networking, with friendships and relationships that often last for a lifetime.”

Experience in numerous fields

Graduated in law from the University of Bern, Matthias Remund, a father of six, is an experienced executive in numerous fields, amongst which federal administration, sport politics and administration on a national and international level, strategic management of pension funds and business process reengineering.

 “I am convinced of the huge potential of both FISU and university sport, continued the future Secretary General. What FISU does, nobody else can. It safeguards the quality of university sport, while solidifying collaborations with the IOC and other sports organizations from all over the world. I am extremely happy to be able to contribute to its development with my experience, my energy, my contacts and my passion for sport.”

A modern organizational structure

“The growth of FISU in all areas now requires a modern organizational structure, which will now be ensured by a Secretary General/CEO and two Deputy Secretaries General, explained the International University Sports Federation President, Leonz Eder. I am convinced that the new management trio with Matthias Remund, as successor to Eric Saintrond, Paulo Ferreira as Deputy Secretary General/COO and Fernando Parente as Deputy Secretary General/CDO will tackle this task with flying colours. I am very pleased and grateful that Eric Saintrond will continue to support this process for another year.”

From 15 staff members to over 50 employees and consultants

“FISU has changed immensely since I was named Secretary General/CEO in 2007, said Eric Saintrond. At the time, we only had 15 members of staff and today there are over 50 employees and consultants working for FISU. Our management structure was no longer adapted to our reality and that is why we have decided to share responsibilities between the Secretary General and two Deputy Secretaries General. After 40 years serving the International University Sports Federation, I am passing the reins to a solid team, which, I am convinced, will successfully lead our Federation into the future.”

“Over the past decades, Secretary General/CEO Eric Saintrond has successfully led and significantly shaped FISU in a responsible manner and with enormous personal commitment, concluded the Federation’s President, Leonz Eder. The entire FISU family and I personally are infinitely grateful to him for this.”

Paulo Ferreira and Fernando Parente will take their new positions from 1st July 2024, Matthias Remund will join FISU on 1st January 2025.

Written by Thérèse Courvoisier, photos Jorge Da Silva