Timur Turlov was elected FIDE President on 26th September 2026 in Samarkand, succeeding Arkady Dvorkovich. On 26th October he presented a new organizational structure, calling it "one of the first important steps" towards FIDE's next stage of development.
What changes?
The plan draws a clearer line between governance and day-to-day administration. The General Assembly remains FIDE's supreme governing body, while the FIDE Council is intended to take a more active role in setting strategic priorities and overseeing their implementation. A dedicated Governance Secretariat will support the governing bodies and commissions.
The President's Office will focus on strategic priorities and major international projects. A new Advisory Board will offer advice on long-term strategy and new initiatives within FIDE's existing governance framework. Day-to-day operations will be managed by the administration under the Secretary General.
The new team
Adil Kozhikhov has been appointed Head of the President's Office. Turlov describes him as an adviser who has worked with him for many years.
GM Darmen Sadvakasov has been appointed Chair of the Advisory Board, which will bring together professionals with international experience across different fields.
Alina Dvoretskaya has been appointed Secretary General. She previously served as Director General of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF).
Turlov says the aim is a sustainable governance system with clearly defined responsibilities and continuity beyond changes in leadership. The priorities include greater support for national federations, chess education and international partnerships. The published chart is labelled "Proposal"; the announcement names the three appointments above, while several parts of the wider structure are described as plans.
