(ATR) New IOC president Thomas Bach tells Around the Rings that he plans no major staff shakeup as he takes over this week at IOC headquarters in Lausanne.
In his first full day at the IOC since his Sep. 10 election, Bach was guided by his predecessor Jacques Rogge through the range of files that he will have to consider as IOC president.
"There are no secrets," he said with a laugh about the review of IOC business. After 20 years on the IOC, including the past eight as a member of the executive board, Bach is well acquainted with the affairs of the IOC.
Bach and Rogge then spent two hours meeting with department directors, reviewing the issues ahead for the IOC and its administration.
"It’s pretty clear that I want to continue with Christophe DeKepper, who has done an excellent job as director general," Bach said. DeKepper came to the IOC in 2001 when fellow Belgian Rogge was elected.
It was the only certainty during the brief interview with ATR that Bach was able to mention after his first day on the job.
"There will be continuity in this respect. There may be a change in style but not in the direction," said Bach about DeKepper.
Regarding the whirlwind travel that faces an IOC president, Bach said that scheduling for events in October and November is now being considered. The only commitment Bach has made so far is to travel to Olympia, Greece for the Sochi torch lighting on September 29. He said his schedule will become more certain in the days ahead.
Both Rogge and Bach spoke to about 200 IOC staff members gathered for a cocktail reception to welcome the new president and bid farewell to the former.
"He knows he can rely on you," Rogge said to the IOC staff.
"I tell you, you can rely on him. You have united around me to support me. And please do the same. Let’s all unite around President Bach," Rogge concluded, receiving a round of applause that lasted the better part of a minute.
In his remarks, Bach noted that "one man alone or a group alone can never be successful. This always depends on all the team and each and everybody."
"This is why I’m looking to the future with great confidence. Coming here, there really is a great team," said Bach as he confirmed to the staff that DeKepper would remain at the head of the IOC administration.
"You will feel that we are working in the same direction to make this IOC, a value-based organization, a success," said Bach.
The new IOC president asked for the confidence of the staff as well as inviting them to be open when it comes time to solve problems.
"If something is going wrong, don’t hide it. It’s better to talk about it at the beginning rather than waiting until the water gets higher and higher. It’s much better to stop all this at the very beginning and to speak openly together," said Bach.
But he also said he appreciated solutions more.
"If you have any ideas, these are even more welcome. If you have programs you are also welcome. But you are even more welcome if you have solutions".
Written and reported in Lausanne by Ed Hula
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