FIVB World Congress elects new leadership as exciting era dawns for volleyball

The 39th FIVB World Congress today elected Fabio Azevedo unanimously by acclamation as the new President of the FIVB, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the global volleyball community.

With resounding support from international volleyball delegates, Fabio Azevedo will lead the organisation for the next eight years, building on the impressive progress achieved under his predecessor, Dr Ary S. Graça F°.

Ahead of the elections, Fabio Azevedo shared his Strategic Vision 2024-2032, pledging to lead volleyball into its next phase by further elevating the sport's professional standards, expanding its reach to both practitioners and fans worldwide, and aiming to double the current 800-million-strong global fanbase. This will be driven by enhanced engagement initiatives and the empowerment of the Global Volleyball Movement.

Fabio Azevedo said:

“I am honoured, humbled and grateful to be elected to serve the Global Volleyball Movement for the next eight years. Over the past 12 years, volleyball has experienced remarkable growth, development and modernisation worldwide, and we have the opportunity to build on very strong foundations.

“With the support of the international volleyball community, I am ready to guide the sport of volleyball into the next phase through the Strategic Vision 2024-2032, which is led by the motto ‘Together as One’ and the key pillars of professionalism, integration, empowerment and mass participation.”

Following his inauguration, Fabio Azevedo announced that Hugh McCutcheon, who has served as a Senior Advisor to the FIVB for several years, will now step into the role of FIVB Secretary General. Originally from New Zealand, McCutcheon began his journey in volleyball as a player before transitioning into coaching, where he notably led the USA men’s national volleyball team to gold at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008, and then guided the USA women’s national team to a silver medal at London 2012.

Hugh McCutcheon said:

“I am truly honoured and excited to be taking on this new role within the FIVB. From player to coach, to sports administrator in both the global FIVB and US collegiate arenas, and now taking on this position, I feel privileged to continue contributing to the sport I love in meaningful new ways. This moment feels both surreal and deeply rewarding, and I’m grateful to be part of a journey that will help shape the sport's next chapter.”

With a dynamic new leadership team at the helm, the FIVB is poised for a promising future as it continues to elevate volleyball on the global stage.