Geoff Balme elected Vice-President Finance

Bucharest (FIL/18 June 2023) At the end of the 71st FIL Congress in Bucharest (ROU) on Sunday, June 18, the delegates of the 33 member federations present elected the Vice President Finance.

On the fourth ballot, Geoff Balme from New Zealand won with 17 votes against Gerhard Habtmann from Austria (15 votes). There was one spoiled ballot.

Balme's predecessor as Vice President Finance, Philipp Trattner (Head of the Sports Section in the Austrian Federal Ministry for Art, Culture, Public Service and Sports), had only been elected at the 70th FIL Congress 2022 in Hall in Tyrol (AUT) and could not continue in this function due to his job. Trattner confirmed the highest competence of his successor Geoff Balme and wished him all the best: "If I can support Geoff in any way, I will always offer my help. But I know that he will do his job very well together with the FIL office".

Personal date Geoff Balme:

Geoff Balme has worked tirelessly for the sport of luge for many years, including as FIL Vice President for Oceania. During this time he developed the sport of luge in New Zealand, ensured the construction of the only ice luge track in the southern hemisphere and organized the participation of New Zealand athletes in FIL competitions on artificial and natural track.

In addition, Geoff has provided financial and investment advice to the FIL leadership and was involved in the development of the FIL's strategic plan, Slide 2026.

Geoff is a tax and business consultant and has held senior financial, management and leadership positions in commercial, public and sporting organizations (including the New Zealand Olympic Committee).