Press release from FEI

The process to elect the next FEI President has officially begun, with three distinguished figures from the international equestrian community confirmed as candidates for the organisation’s highest elected office.

In line with FEI policy for all elected positions, the candidates are listed in alphabetical order by National Federation: Mark Samuel (CAN), Sabrina Ibáñez (ESA) and Jack Huang (TPE).

Representing Canada, Mark Samuel is FEI Honorary Vice President, having served on the FEI Board for 12 years, as Chair of Regional Group IV (North America) and FEI Vice President from 2017 to 2024. Sabrina Ibáñez, of El Salvador, joined the FEI in 1991 and served as FEI Director of Governance and Executive Affairs from 2011 until her appointment as FEI Secretary General in December 2014. Chinese Taipei’s Jack Huang has served as Chair of FEI Regional Group VIII (Asia and Oceania) since 2016 and has been FEI Vice President since 2019.

FEI President Ingmar De Vos welcomed the announcement, highlighting both the calibre of the candidates and the strength of the organisation’s future leadership.

"I am delighted that three such highly respected and experienced individuals have decided to stand for the FEI Presidency,” Ingmar De Vos said. “Mark Samuel, Sabrina Ibáñez and Jack Huang have each made an outstanding contribution to the FEI over many years, and I know they share a deep commitment to the values and future of our sport.”

"Serving as FEI President has been the greatest honour of my professional life, and I am very proud to see these three candidates, which have already served the FEI in important positions, putting themselves forward to lead the organisation into its next chapter. Their willingness to serve is a testament to the strength of our community and the confidence they have in its future. I am convinced that, whoever the National Federations elect at the General Assembly in December, the FEI will be in very good hands."

Campaign and election

The deadline for submitting candidacies for the FEI Elections and Appointments 2026, including the position of FEI President, closed on 1 June 2026 at 23:59 CEST.

In line with the FEI’s commitment to transparency and good governance, and as per the Rules for Election of the FEI President 2026, all presidential applications underwent an independent background check by the Independent Election Committee. The FEI Nominations Committee reviewed and vetted the candidacies during its meeting on 11 and 12 June.

With the official announcement of the candidates, the presidential campaign now begins in accordance with the Rules for Election of the FEI President 2026. The successful candidate will be elected by the FEI General Assembly on 5 December 2026 in Jiangyin, China.

All applications for FEI Elections and Appointments 2026 process

In addition to the presidential candidates, the Nominations Committee examined all applications submitted for the various positions that form part of the FEI Elections and Appointments 2026 process.

Three positions – Nominations Committee Member (Regional Group IV), Medical Committee Member, and Eventing Athlete Representative – have been reopened, with candidacies accepted until 15 July 2026.

List of candidates

The full list of candidates standing for the FEI Elections and Appointments 2026, together with their biographies and supporting information, is available here.