Lausanne, Oct 25 (IANS): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) on Tuesday announced that New Zealands Jason McCracken will take over as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in February 2017, replacing Kelly Fairweather.

McCracken will be leaving his role as Head of Insurance and Investment Risk at banking group ANZ to take on the role at FIH's headquarters here as Fairweather is leaving for the International Tennis Federation (ITF) after six years in the role, according to a release.

McCracken is well known to the hockey family having served as an Olympic and World Cup Umpire, FIH Committee Member and Technical Official for over 20 years. 

His most recent appointments were Technical Delegate at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Tournament Director at the 2014 Men's Hockey World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands.

He has also served as a Board Member for Hockey New Zealand and has played an important role in the development of hockey, especially umpiring, both within his homeland and internationally.

Speaking of his appointment, FIH President Leandro Negre said: "On behalf of the Executive Board, we are delighted to confirm Jason's appointment. With his incredible hockey knowledge, from grassroots to elite level, combined with his extensive commercial background as a CEO and an Executive General Manager, it was clear he was the stand-out choice."

Negre continued: "Our 10-year Hockey Revolution strategy is already having a significant impact on the sport, but with the new event portfolio due to be implemented over the next couple of years, it is going to be a very important period in hockey's history. 

"We're confident Jason can drive forward our ambition through this strategy and we look forward to seeing him shape the sport's exciting future."

With Fairweather leaving the organisation in December, FIH Director of Sport and Development, David Luckes, will become temporary CEO until McCracken officially takes up his new role on February 1, 2017.