The appointment was made at a UIM Council Meeting in Ibiza, Spain, a day ahead of the organisation's General Assembly.

Kurth originally joined the UIM as special commissioner in July following the departure of former secretary general Andrea Dini, who had been in the role for three years.

Since his appointment Kurth has been in charge of staff and operations at the UIM Headquarters in Monaco.

"I am delighted to welcome Thomas Kurth as our new secretary general," said UIM President, Dr Raffaele Chiulli.

"In the few months he has been conducting the affairs of the UIM Office as a Commissioner he has achieved excellent results.

"His leadership and extensive skillset will be an asset for UIM and its Head Office on our way to take this Federation to greater heights."

Prior to his appointment at the UIM, Thomas Kurth (left) created and headed the G14 Grouping of major European Football Clubs ©Getty Images



Prior to his role at the UIM, Kuth had been head of competitions at UEFA for ten years, 1990-2000, being involved in the creation of the Champions League. 

The Swiss then set up and headed the G14 Grouping of major European Football Clubs from 2000 until 2008, before taking on the role of an independent consultant, focusing on governance issues, strategic development, project and event management within the sports industry.

"I would like to thank the UIM President and the Council members for their confidence," said Kurth.

"I am looking forward to leading the UIM staff and the Federation's operations and will spare no efforts in offering the Powerboating Community the quality services they expect and deserve."

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