The Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF) announces a change to its Executive Board following the resignation of Ms Anna Arzhanova, who stepped down from her position on 6 May 2026 following her election as President of the International World Games Association (IWGA).

On behalf of the entire ARISF family, President Dr Raffaele Chiulli and the ARISF Executive Board would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Anna for her dedicated service, commitment and valuable contribution to ARISF during her tenure as an Executive Board Member. Her expertise and unwavering support have played an important role in advancing ARISF’s mission to serve and represent its Member International Federations.

ARISF warmly congratulates Anna on her election as President of the IWGA and wishes her every success in this important new role within the Olympic Movement.

Following the vacancy created, the ARISF Executive Board has appointed Mr Roy Baker as a Member of the ARISF Executive Board for the remainder of the current term (2025–2029). The appointment will be submitted to the next ARISF General Assembly for ratification.

In reaching this decision, the Executive Board considered it important to respect the outcome of the ARISF elections held at the 2025 General Assembly. As the candidate who received the next highest number of votes following Ms Arzhanova, and having already presented his candidacy to the ARISF membership and fulfilled all eligibility requirements, Mr Baker’s appointment reflects the confidence already expressed by the ARISF Members through the election process.

Mr Baker brings extensive executive leadership experience from both the corporate and sports sectors. Professionally, he has built a distinguished career as a Director-level executive in the energy sector, specialising in transformation, operations, mergers and acquisitions, and organisational change.

Within sport, Mr Baker is a former multiple World and European Kickboxing Champion and has dedicated more than three decades to sports administration and governance. He has served as President of Kickboxing Ireland, Vice President of the Irish Martial Arts Commission, and held numerous leadership positions within the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), including Vice President, General Secretary, President of WAKO Europe, and, since 2018, President of WAKO IF.

Under his leadership, WAKO IF has experienced significant growth and development, with membership increasing from 109 to 146 national federations, substantial growth in international recognition, a considerable expansion of global media reach and digital engagement, and a threefold increase in organisational income.

ARISF warmly welcomes Roy Baker to the Executive Board and looks forward to benefiting from his extensive experience, strategic leadership and commitment to the continued development and strengthening of ARISF and its services to Member Federations.