New FEI Chief of Business Development & Strategy

Lisa Lazarus, the FEI’s General Counsel, is to take on a new role within the organisation as Chief of Business Development & Strategy.

Ms Lazarus joined the FEI as General Counsel in 2009. In addition to professionalising the legal process within the FEI and representing the organisation in all cases before the FEI Tribunal and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, she was also instrumental in redrafting the anti-doping rules, a crucial factor in the FEI’s Clean Sport campaign.

She has been involved in the sports world for a number of years and, prior to joining the FEI, was Senior Director of Partner Development for NFL International in London, overseeing business and partner development from 2006 to 2009.

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In her new role as Chief of Business Development & Strategy, Ms Lazarus will be evaluating the FEI’s commercial opportunities in order to optimise the continued growth of equestrian sport globally. This will include reviewing the work of the FEI’s Commercial Department, establishing how it can best serve the needs of sponsors and stakeholders at the very top level.

Ms Lazarus will also be responsible for creating initiatives that will enhance the revenue streams of the FEI, using commercial growth to fund the ongoing development of the sport.

“I am delighted to have been offered this challenging role at such an exciting time for the FEI,” Lisa Lazarus said. “I am convinced that there are many avenues to be explored on the commercial front and I am looking forward to working with the team at FEI Headquarters to maximise those opportunities for the benefit of the sport as a whole.”

Mikael Rentsch, currently FEI Senior Legal Counsel, will become Legal Director in charge of the FEI Legal Department. He joined the FEI in 2006 as Legal Counsel and was promoted to Senior Legal Counsel in January 2011.

“I am very happy that this restructuring will mean we have really well qualified people in positions where they can provide maximum operational benefits for the sport,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said. “Lisa has already brought an incredible fund of knowledge and expertise to the FEI and, as she comes from a sporting background, and specifically in the area of business development, we are convinced that she can contribute enormously to the further success of the FEI in her new role.

“Mikael has been with the FEI since 2006 and has proved himself to be a natural successor to Lisa in the Legal Department and I have no doubt that this internal reorganisation will create a new dynamic in the FEI with a high potential for the further development of our sport and our business.”