Patrick von Gunten succeeds Lars Weibel as Director Sport

“Patrick von Gunten understands the complex demands of Swiss ice hockey from personal experience and is aware of the differing expectations of clubs, the association, and grassroots players," Martin Baumann, CEO of the SIHF, said. "We are confident that he will bring these perspectives together with great finesse and strengthen the SIHF’s athletic development in the long term."

Von Gunten also has a master’s degree in sports management and a bachelor’s degree in finance, and, of course, has had a long hockey career. He currently serves as Head of Sports and Head of Venue Zürich for the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship.