Martin Baumann appointed new CEO of Swiss Ice Hockey Federation

Baumann has spent the last decade as CEO of the Champions Hockey League AG, where he was instrumental in rebuilding the pan-European hockey tournament from the ground up. Under his leadership, the league saw continuous growth, driven by his innovative strategies. Prior to his involvement in sports, Baumann, who holds an Executive MBA, held senior roles in the financial sector at Bank Julius Bär and Bank Vontobel.

Selected from over 100 applicants in a competitive, multi-stage process, Baumann was praised by SIHF Chairman Stefan Schärer for his hockey expertise and leadership capabilities. Schärer expressed confidence that Baumann will play a pivotal role in implementing the organization's 2030 strategy and advancing the development of Swiss ice hockey.

Baumann himself is eager to take on this new challenge. “First and foremost, I would like to thank the Swiss Ice Hockey Federation Board for their trust in me,” he said. “My goal is to leverage my expertise in team leadership and global event organization to elevate SIHF’s profile. I aim to foster innovation, enhance fan engagement, and build strong partnerships across various markets. Ultimately, I am committed to inspiring and uniting the Swiss hockey community with passion and dedication.”

With Baumann's arrival, Markus Graf, who served as interim CEO for the past two months, will step down from his role at the end of October 2024. SIHF expressed its gratitude to Graf for his efforts and wished him well in his well-deserved retirement.

Baumann's appointment marks a significant step in Swiss ice hockey’s ongoing evolution, with his leadership expected to shape the future of the sport in the country.

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