Brussels, 11 December 2025 – The Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) held its 2025 General Assembly yesterday at Anderlecht Lotto Park Stadium in Brussels, marking the start of a new governance cycle. The meeting included the election of a new FESI President, appointments to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and strategic discussions for the 2025–2028 mandate. European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef attended, highlighting the growing political relevance of the sporting goods sector in EU policymaking.
New FESI President and Board members elected
The General Assembly elected Michael Nendwich as FESI’s new President. Michael currently serves as Managing Director of VSSÖ, the Austrian Association of Sporting Goods Producers and Retailers, and as Executive President of FEDAS, the European Federation of Sporting Goods Retailers. A long-time FESI Vice President and Treasurer since 2022, he has extensive experience across the European sporting goods sector.
“I am deeply honoured to be elected President of FESI, and I sincerely thank all our members for their trust and support. I also want to thank Neil Narriman for his outstanding leadership, which strengthened our association and laid a solid foundation for the future,” said Michael Nendwich. “This is a pivotal moment for the sporting goods industry. Our business environment is changing at unprecedented speed: online marketplaces are reshaping retail, global trade uncertainties are growing, and funding challenges for promoting sport and physical activity are increasing. At the same time, traditional trade fairs like ISPO are evolving, artificial intelligence is accelerating innovation, and climate-change adaptation introduces new risks across our value chain. With the continued support of our members, I am confident that FESI can guide our industry through these transformations and ensure that innovation, competitiveness, and the positive power of sport remain at the heart of Europe’s future.”
The Assembly also recognised the contributions of outgoing President Neil Narriman. Members elected a new Board of Directors, including representatives from recent FESI members Columbia, ASICS, Fanatics, and Decathlon[1]. demonstrating the growing engagement of companies and FESI’s role as the representative voice of the European sporting goods industry.
Commissioner Micallef addresses the future of EU sport
The afternoon programme featured European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, Glenn Micallef, who emphasized the role of sport in promoting social cohesion, citizens’ well-being, and economic resilience, and highlighted upcoming initiatives such as the Strategy on sport, planned for Q4 2026.
« Today in the EU, more than 45% of people never exercise. This figure has risen by six percentage points since 2009. This makes our sport community’s work to encourage people to get moving together more important than ever. In this endeavour, the private sector and in particular, the sporting goods industry, plays a crucial role. I am looking forward to working with the new FESI President in the upcoming years”, declared Commissioner Glenn Micallef.
Following the Commissioner’s address, an interactive roundtable brought together representatives from the European Commission, EuropeActive, UEFA, ISCA, Sport and Citizenship, and Cycling Industries of Europe. Participants discussed priorities for the future Strategy on sport, including grassroots funding, cross sectoral collaboration, and increased accessibility to sport and physical activity for all.
Looking ahead: priorities for 2026–2028
The discussions will help shape FESI’s strategy and priorities for the coming years. With renewed leadership, an expanded Board, and close engagement with EU institutions, FESI is ready to take a leading role in shaping the future of the European sporting goods industry.
[1]Full composition of the FESI Board of Directors (December 2025–December 2028):
Companies: Alistair Kilgour (Pentland Brands), Julie Sutton (VF Corporation), Koen Tengrootenhuysen (Decathlon), Manuel Pauser (adidas), Mark Buse (Fanatics), Neil Narriman (Puma), Toni Garcia (Nike), Roberto Grasso (Columbia), Valentina David (Asics).
Federations: Andres de la Dehesa (AFYDAD), Anna Ferrino (Assosport), Christian Schneidermeier (EOG), Dan Holmgren (Sportsbranchen), Dirk Vinken (FGHS), Gregory de Radiguès (Union Sport & Cycle), Michael Nendwich (VSSÖ), Nick Palmer (FSPA), Stefan Rosenkranz (BSI).
Honorary: Mark Held (White Moss Consulting).
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About FESI: Founded in 1960 FESI – the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry represents the interests of approximately 1.800 sporting goods manufacturers (85% of the European market) through its National Sporting Goods Industry Federations and its directly affiliated member companies. 70-75% of FESI’s membership is made up of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. In total, the European Sporting Goods Industry employs over 700.000 EU citizens and has an annual turnover of some 81 billion euro.
Contact: Ariane Gatti, FESI Senior Communication & Policy Manager / [email protected] / +32 274 08 94
