Following an extensive global search, the FEI is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Executive Directors: Áine Power (IRL) as Executive Director of Sport & Games, and François Vergnol (FRA) as Executive Director of the newly formed Commercial, Marketing, and Communications Department. With this new vision it seems the FEI will develop as a governing body as well as a commercial entity!
The appointments mark a major milestone in the restructuring process announced in February 2025.
“On behalf of the FEI, I would like to congratulate Áine and François on their appointments,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.
“The FEI has grown and evolved alongside a rapidly changing sporting and commercial landscape, driving us to adapt, innovate, and embrace change. As part of this evolution, these appointments are a key step in streamlining our operations and reinforcing our framework for sustainable growth.
“To ensure the highest standards in recruitment and talent acquisition, the FEI conducted a comprehensive bid process involving a number of specialised Executive Search Firms.
“Following a thorough evaluation, we selected two firms with proven expertise in their respective fields: one with deep knowledge of the sports sector, and the other with strong capabilities in the commercial and communications domain. Throughout the recruitment process, we received some outstanding CVs and were fortunate to meet a number of excellent candidates, which made the final decision far from easy.
“It was a thorough and objective process, which required the approval of the FEI Board, and reflects a strong alignment with the organisation’s goals and values.
“We’re excited to welcome these two talented individuals to their new roles as they help shape the future of the FEI.”
Áine Power has been a dedicated member of the FEI team since 2014. For the past six years, she has served as the Deputy Legal Director and has played a key role in shaping the FEI’s legal and sports framework working effectively across the various FEI Sports Departments.
Her main achievements include making significant contributions to major FEI sports projects, such as the development, allocation, and implementation of the Longines League of Nations™ Series, and the bid and allocation process of the FEI World and European Championships and other FEI Series.
In addition, Áine led the preparation, approval, and implementation of the Olympic and Paralympic Qualification Systems and Regulations over several Olympic cycles, working closely with the Olympic Disciplines’ Departments and liaising with the International Olympic Committee and International Paralympic Committee.
Áine is an Irish qualified lawyer and holds an International Master’s in Sports Management from the International Centre for Sports Studies in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. In addition, she is a member of the UEFA Appeals Committee.
Known for her holistic understanding of the Sport and the FEI organisation as well as her strategic vision, Áine will lead all sport disciplines as well as the Education & Officials Department, and will oversee the FEI Calendar.
François Vergnol joins the FEI from European Professional Club Rugby (EPCR), where he currently holds the position of Chief Revenue Officer and is part of the EPCR Leadership Team. He is responsible for maximising the organisation's revenue and boosting its fanbase size and engagement levels, through commercial and marketing initiatives.
François manages a team of twelve people and has successfully negotiated partnership deals with global brands including Emirates, DHL, Tissot, Investec, Omoda Jaecoo and IHG Hotels, as well as premium broadcasters TNT Sports, Premier Sports, beIN Sports, RTE, France Télévisions and SuperSport. He initially joined EPCR in 2019 as Marketing & Commercial Director and was promoted to his current role in 2024.
From 2016 to 2019, François worked at Van Wagner Sports & Entertainment as the Project Director for the FC Barcelona account.
François also spent over 10 years at OC Sport, the global leader in professional sailing and outdoor sports events management from 2005 to 2016, initially as Group Commercial Director and later as New Business & Strategy Development Director. In these roles, he led the team responsible for shaping and implementing the event organiser’s long-term strategy through a combination of external acquisitions and the development of new events. He managed a core team of around 10 people, based on three different continents.
François holds a Master’s in Business & Marketing from NEOMA Business School in France, and is fluent in English, French, Spanish and Catalan after working in a total of four different countries over the past 20 years.
He brings to the FEI extensive expertise and a strong track record in business development, commercial strategy, and marketing. He has successfully led large multinational teams across various countries and is a keen communicator. As Executive Director of Commercial, Marketing & Communications, he will head the newly formed department created during the recent restructuring, which brings together all Commercial, Marketing, and Communications activities.
Following the formal approval of the FEI Board, Áine Power will begin her new position on 1 August, and François Vergnol on 21 August.
