Richard Pettit

Richard Pettit is an international sports leader with a strong track record in organisational transformation, digital strategy and modern sports governance. As Secretary General of the International Canoe Federation (ICF), he leads the executive management of the federtion and supports the delivery of its long-term strategic vision across a global membership.

Working closely with the ICF President, Board, Committees and National Federations, Richard is responsible for translating strategy into action, overseeing day-to-day operations while driving structural, cultural and operational change. His leadership focuses on building a resilient, future-ready federation that is financially sustainable, digitally capable and globally relevant in an increasingly complex sporting environment.

Since his appointment in late 2022, Richard has been central to delivering the ICF’s Fit for Future strategy. This programme has reshaped how the federation operates, accelerating governance reform, modernising organisational structures and professionalising core functions across events, commercial, digital and operations. A defining milestone in this evolution is the forthcoming transition to Paddle Worldwide, a strategic repositioning that broadens the federation’s identity and strengthens its connection with athletes, fans and the wider global paddling community.

As part of this transformation, the ICF has evolved from a small, centralised team in Lausanne into a significantly expanded, globally structured organisation. The federation has grown its workforce more than fourfold, established a new headquarters in Budapest, developed a strategic office in Hangzhou, China, and strengthened its presence in Lausanne as the Olympic capital. This shift reflects a deliberate move towards a more professional, distributed operating model, designed to better serve members, deliver major events and support global development.

Under this transformation agenda, the ICF has professionalised event delivery, strengthened its digital and data ecosystem, and deepened partnerships with broadcasters, host cities and global stakeholders. These changes are driving higher-quality competitions, clearer and more robust athlete pathways, and deeper global engagement.

Prior to returning to the ICF, Richard spent five years at the International Olympic Committee, where he led the strategy and growth of Athlete365, the IOC’s global athlete engagement platform. During this period, the community expanded to more than 150,000 athletes and entourage memers worldwide through digital-first services and partnerships with leading international brands.

Earlier in his career, Richard led communications and digital development at the ICF and held senior media and digital roles with the International Table Tennis Federation and the London 2012 Olympic Games. He also brings entrepreneurial experience in

sports technology and digital product development.

Recognised for his ability to align strategy, structure and delivery, Richard supports organisations through periods of change with clarity and purpose. His leadership continues to focus on ensuring paddlesport is well governed, visible, sustainable and positioned for long-term success.

2022-present – Secretary General, ICF 

2017-2022 – Athlete 365 Strategic Lead, IOC

2011-2016 – Director, Spin Software