The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced new appointments to the President's Office, naming a team of advisers and representatives of the President as part of the federation's new organisational structure presented on 26 October 2026.

The President's Office, headed by Adil Kozhikhov, will focus on implementing FIDE's strategic priorities and strengthening international cooperation. Its responsibilities include working with partners and national chess federations, as well as coordinating specific projects and initiatives.

Emil Sutovsky - Chief Executive Adviser

Emil Sutovsky is the new Chief Executive Adviser to the FIDE President

Sutovsky will manage relations with FIDE's key strategic partners, develop major partnership initiatives and facilitate cooperation on projects of particular importance to the federation. He will also carry out specific assignments from the President.

Victor Bologan - Special Representative of the President for Global Development

Bologan's responsibilities include promoting chess development and strengthening relations with national chess federations, including matters related to the FIDE Development Fund. He will also be involved in major digitalisation projects aimed at modernising FIDE's operations and services.

Victor Bologan, Special Representative of the President for Global Development

Dana Reizniece-Ozola - Special Representative of the President for Social Development

Reizniece-Ozola will oversee FIDE's social development agenda, including the design and implementation of social projects in cooperation with national federations and partners. Her work will focus on expanding access to chess and supporting initiatives that use chess as a tool for social inclusion and community development.

Dana Reizniece-Ozola, Special Representative of the President for Social Development

Representatives of the President

Mohamed Al-Mudahka - Representative for International Relations. Al-Mudahka will contribute to strengthening FIDE's international relations.

Akaki Iashvili - Representative for Special Projects. Iashvili will coordinate and implement special FIDE projects that require dedicated support and cooperation with members of the chess community.

Willy Iclicki - Representative for Chess Participation. Iclicki will focus on broadening participation in chess, with particular attention to amateur players, seniors and chess communities in Small Nations.

Zhu Chen - Head of FIDE Shenzhen Office. Zhu will lead the FIDE Shenzhen Office and support the implementation of the federation's projects in the region.

FIDE said the appointments are part of the establishment of its new management structure, designed to ensure a clearer distribution of responsibilities and more effective implementation of the federation's projects, drawing on the professional experience and international networks of the President's representatives.

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Also read: Timur Turlov presents FIDE's new structure and leadership appointments

Source: FIDE announces new appointments to the President's Office