Update:FEI Releases Statement On Holmes’ Departure

Officials at the Fédération Equestre Internationale stated, “During a period of growth and evolution at the FEI, a number of adjustments to the management structure have been made. By mutual agreement, Executive Sports Director David Holmes is leaving the FEI. There are no immediate plans to fill the position.”

“We are very sorry to lose David,” FEI Secretary General Alex McLin said. “He has been an extremely popular addition to the FEI staff during his time on the team, and we are thankful for his contributions, but we are adjusting the way in which resources are being used at headquarters and, with a very strong team of individual Sports Directors now in place, we are well positioned to move forward. We wish David well with all his future endeavours.”

David Holmes walked out of the Fédération Equestre Internationale’s headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, abruptly this afternoon and won’t be returning to his position as executive director of sport according to Horse and Hound.

Holmes said the decision came out of the blue, and he was told it was for financial reasons.

Holmes served in that position since first joining the FEI 1 ½ years ago in May 2008. Prior to his FEI post, Holmes had been chief executive of British Dressage for nine years.

The FEI claims adjustments to the management structure and has no immediate plans to fill his position.

Holmes denied any disagreement with the organization.

“I don’t regret coming here at all. I loved my job—I loved working with the national federations, the president [Princess Haya], Alex [McLin] and the rest of the team. And I’ve made a real difference,” he told Horse and Hound.

As executive director of sport, David headed up the FEI’s sports department, managing their planning, financial and operational activities, liaised with the International Olympic Committee and helped to co-ordinate the World Equestrian Games.