FIL Restructures Its Media Division

To meet its ambitious goals and tackle new challenges, the International Luge Federation is bringing fresh expertise on board.

BERCHTESGADEN (FIL/May 22, 2026) – With the new Olympic cycle set to begin at the FIL Congress (June 8–9 in Berchtesgaden) and culminate at the 2030 Olympic Winter Games in La Plagne in the French Alps, the International Luge Federation (FIL) is entering this new era with ambitious objectives and a strengthened communications team.

“We no longer need to point out that the media landscape has become increasingly diverse and complex,” said FIL President Einars Fogelis. “What matters is that we want to build on the excellent work of recent years and take it to the next level.”

A particular focus will be placed on broadcast and streaming operations, social media strategy, and traditional media relations. “In short, our goal is to place the sport, its stakeholders, and the FIL’s initiatives in the spotlight as effectively and consistently as possible,” Fogelis added.

Patrickl Öffl, 37, has been appointed the new Head of Broadcast at the FIL. The Austrian native from Styria, who has already been working with the international federation since 2024, brings extensive experience from the international sports television industry, where he led major projects for a range of institutions and broadcasters.

Alessandro Genuzio, 39, takes over as FIL Marketing and Social Media Manager. The Italian from Udine most recently served as Deputy Sports Manager for Luge at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 and previously held leading marketing and communications roles at various summer and winter sports events.

Egon Theiner, 58, joins as Communications and Public Affairs Manager and will serve as the FIL’s primary contact for media representatives. Originally from South Tyrol, Theiner has worked in various roles at eleven Olympic Games — eight Winter and three Summer Games — and has also collaborated with the FIL in the past.

The trio has already begun its work with the international federation.

FIL Executive Director Christoph Schweiger commented: “We are delighted to welcome this trio to our team and believe we are very well positioned for the coming winters. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to former FIL Press Officer Margit Dengler-Paar for her extraordinary dedication and outstanding work. We are equally grateful that Margit will continue to support us throughout this transition period.”