Billionaire ski brand boss in race to lead world ski body

LONDON (AP) — The billionaire chairman of a ski manufacturer won support Thursday in the race to become president of the International Ski Federation.

The British member federation of FIS, known as GB Snowsport, said it will nominate London-based Johan Eliasch for the election in May.

Eliasch is the Swedish-born chairman and CEO of Head Group, which includes skis and tennis rackets in its sports equipment portfolio.

Only four men have served as president in the 96-year history of skiing’s governing body, which is based in Switzerland. Current leader Gian Franco Kasper is stepping down after 22 years.

Sarah Lewis, the FIS secretary general, is a potential candidate to be the first female president.

Kasper was FIS’s secretary general when first elected in 1998 to succeed fellow Swiss Marc Hodler, who was president for 46 years.

Swiss ski federation president Urs Lehmann, the 1993 downhill world champion, is also expected to enter the contest.

The FIS election is scheduled on May 22 at its members’ congress in Thailand.