The FAI Head Office has pleasure in announcing that Mr. Visa-Matti Leinikki has been appointed as the new FAI IT Manager. He will start in his new position on 1 May 2012.

Visa-Matti Leinikki, 45, from Finland, comes to the FAI with a 25-year experience in software development, including more than 16 in several positions related to internet solutions. A gliding pilot since 1982, he flew over the years in more than 30 national and international gliding competitions, and held several positions within the FAI as an Alternate Delegate, Delegate and Vice President of the FAI Gliding Commission (IGC). He also attended several FAI gliding competitions as an official and is active in aeromodelling as well as in motorgliding and microlights.

Jean-Marc Badan, FAI Secretary General, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Visa-Matti to our team later this year. His experience in both IT and air sports will be a great asset to the FAI and will allow the FAI to further improve services to the Air Sports Commissions, FAI Members and Event Organisers.”

Thanks to his excellent understanding of the FAI structure and air sports combined with his solid experience in IT, Visa-Matti will have an important role to play within the FAI in the future development of new IT solutions and in the implementation of new technologies such as live tracking or scoring systems.

Visa-Matti Leinikki commented: "I have spent more than 10 years working with people in the FAI organisation as a volunteer, so naturally I am delighted to have this opportunity to join the Head Office team. In this position, I will be able to make use of my long career in IT and particulary internet solutions."