A new FEI endurance director has been appointed to replace Ian Williams, who retires at the end of the month.
Manuel Bandeira de Mello, of Portugal, will take up the post on Monday (1 December) to allow a handover period.
“It is an honour and a privilege to serve equestrian sport at this level,” he said. “I am looking forward to this exciting new step and to fulfilling this challenging role to the very best of my abilities.”
Manuel, who was the secretary general of the Portuguese Equestrian Federation for 13 years, was selected from more than 30 applicants.
Since 2001 he has been chef d’équipe for the Portuguese team at numerous FEI championships and was also chef de mission for the Portuguese team at three World Equestrian Games — 2002, 2006 and 2010.
Before joining the FEI he was deputy chair of FEI regional group I and executive board member of the European Equestrian Federation.
In endurance he has organised FEI Endurance open European championship 2007 at Barroca D’Alva.
A former showjumper, Manuel was a member of the Portuguese team at the FEI European junior showjumping championships in 1974. He competed nationally and internationally from 1972 to 1997.
“I am very much looking forward to welcoming Manuel to the FEI,” said FEI secretary general Ingmar De Vos.
“I have known and worked with him for many years and I am convinced his extensive experience in equestrian sport as an administrator, competitor, and organiser will be important assets for our organisation. We were looking for a candidate with deep understanding of the sport who would be able to take over endurance for the long-term and clearly we have found that in Manuel.
“I wish Manuel every success as the new FEI endurance director and am confident he will be a great addition to the team.”
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