Markus Haggeney has been appointed acting secretary general of the World Air Sports Federation ©FAI

Markus Haggeney has been appointed acting secretary general of the World Air Sports Federation (FAI), it has been announced.

He replaces Germany's Susanne Schödel, a former world champion in gliding, who had held the position since January 2014. 

"Susanne Schödel has led the work of the FAI head office for almost six years and done her utmost to deliver outcomes that benefit the whole organisation," FAI President Bob Henderson said. 

"I wish her the very best for the future.

Markus Haggeney is closely associated with ballooning ©FAI
Markus Haggeney is closely associated with ballooning ©FAI

"I am grateful to Markus Haggeney for agreeing to take on this new challenge of acting secretary general, and I look forward to working with him in his new position. 

"He has been working for FAI for almost six years and is up to speed with all the ongoing projects and activities of the Federation."

The 59-year-old Haggeney, who is also German, had been working for the FAI as its sports and events director. 

Before being employed at the FAI head office, Haggeney did extensive volunteer work for the FAI Air Sport General Commission, the FAI Ballooning Commission and the German Ballooning Federation.