European Athletics (EAA) – News – President Wirz hails Weiss after IAAF announces General Secretary’s retirement

European Athletics President Hansjörg Wirz has warmly praised the contribution of Pierre Weiss to the sport of athletics following the IAAF announcement that the incumbent General Secretary is to retire this year.

The world governing body of athletics announced Tuesday that Essar Gabriel, the former Director General of the Organising Committee for the Paris 2003 World Championships and formerly responsible for the organisation of the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore, has been chosen as Weiss' replacement.

Weiss has decided to stand down after devoting the majority of his life to athletics. At the IAAF, he was Assistant to the General Secretary from 1985-87, General Director from 1991-2006, and General Secretary since 2006.

President Wirz, speaking in Daegu, Korea, ahead of the IAAF World Championships, said, “Pierre has worked tirelessly over many years to help improve the sport of athletics and it has been a great pleasure to work with someone for whom I have the greatest respect and admiration.”

"European Athletics appreciates greatly the work Pierre has done and will be sad to see him step down but we look forward to working in the future with Essar Gabriel, who has the requisite knowledge and experience to take on such an important role."

Another pillar of the IAAF standing down, after 20 years of service, is current IAAF Honorary Treasurer Jean Poczobut. Poczobut has been IAAF Council Member since 1995 and from 2003 to date has been serving as Honorary Treasurer.

 European Athletics (EAA) – News