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After Caroline Kuyper’s departure, the organizers of the Ski World Championships 2027 in Crans-Montana have to look for a new CEO. Didier Defago is the top candidate.
It will be the largest sporting event in Valais history, but the project has suffered a minor setback: Caroline Kuypers has resigned as CEO after only 52 days.
In her resignation, the French-speaking Swiss woman with Dutch roots wrote of “serious disruptions and an imbalance in management”. Harsh words towards the board of directors of the 2027 World Cup in Crans-Montana.
Nestlé past, but no snow hare
Swiss-Ski in the person of President Urs Lehmann, on the other hand, spoke of “differences about the way of working together”. Discussions revealed that it could be difficult to work together for 4 years.
Kuypers is a seasoned manager who has already worked for billionaire corporations such as Nestlé or the International Olympic Committee. But their lack of proximity to skiing, says for example Hugo Steinegger, Vice-President of the 2027 World Cup candidacy.
Integration figure Defago as successor?
The candidate carousel is already turning, but those responsible want to take their time with the successor. Talks have already been held with potential candidates, including Didier Défago. The Valais downhill Olympic champion is considered the crown favorite. “He is a personality and an integration figure,” says Lehmann.
Even if the Ski World Championships in Valais got off to a bad start: there are still 4 years to correct it. The consequential damage should therefore be limited.