- IMD Business School
News Stories · Corporate Governance

IOC Executive Board concludes meetings with governance report from IMD

July 2017

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND, (11 June 2017) – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board wrapped up two days of meetings, ahead of the 2024 Candidate City Briefing and 130th Session, with a review of the IOC’s governance structures and processes.

Given the continuing evolution of good governance practice, the IOC officially contracted IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland, and its Global Board Centre to undertake research into good governance at the IOC itself.

A summary of recommendations stemming from this review were presented by the Director of the IMD Global Board Centre, Professor Didier Cossin, to the IOC Executive Board.

“IMD business school was officially contracted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to conduct a comprehensive review of its governance structures and processes. The purpose of this report is not only to encourage the IOC to keep improving on the basis of Olympic Agenda 2020 but also to prepare the organization for the evolution it will need to confront and adapt to in the years to come” said Professor Didier Cossin.

“At IMD, we have dedicated our thinking and resources to improving board performance for more than 35 years. Based on our interviews and review of processes and documentation, we assessed the areas of strength and vulnerabilities of the IOC’s governance structures and processes. These have been summarized in this brief, along with our recommendations.”

The review shows that while in most areas, the IOC is building on the solid governance structures and processes strengthened by Olympic Agenda 2020, introducing reinforced practices in certain areas would enable it to build its resilience and leadership position, fulfil its mission to society in its fullest and serve as a best-in-class steward in a global arena in need of positive governance examples.

Read the summary of recommendations from IMD

The IOC has remained committed to being a strong values-based organisation and a leader in the field of sport, with the aim of being a model of governance quality. Building on Olympic Agenda 2020, the IOC’s strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, the report encourages the IOC’s existing efforts and proposes further ideas to reinforce the IOC’s initiatives in a number of areas prepare the organisation for the evolution it may face and need to adapt to in the years to come.

Watch the official video of the press conference: click here

Latest
News Stories
IMD launches new range of executive certificates
The university institute’s four tailored learning journeys – from digital- and sustainability-focused leadership to upskilling – will be recognized as Certificates of Advanced Studies (CAS).
IMD launches new range of executive certificates
Alumni Stories General Management
“Only when you stretch out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself can you grow”
Impactful leaders are authentic and purpose-driven, says Corinne Baffou (PED 2023).
“Only when you stretch out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself can you grow”
Alumni Stories
Survival of the fattest
René Rozendal (EMBA 2019) explains how Paques Biomaterials is breeding “obese bacteria” to solve the plastics crisis.
Survival of the fattest