The Organising Committee for the Alps 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games continues its search for a new chief executive following the departure of Cyril Linette in February, with Jean-François Vilotte, the current director general of the French Football Federation, emerging as the leading candidate.
Michel Cadot, who previously played a key coordinating role during Paris 2024 Olympic Games preparations, has been serving in an interim capacity to maintain stability within the organising committee, known as COJOP. His mandate has focused on ensuring continuity while addressing internal tensions and leadership gaps that have surfaced in recent months.
Vilotte’s profile has gained traction due to his experience managing major sporting institutions, including prior leadership roles at the French Tennis Federation and Roland Garros. Reports suggest he is viewed internally as a consensus-oriented figure capable of balancing the interests of political stakeholders and regional authorities involved in the project.
French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari has indicated that the appointment process is expected to conclude by the end of April, with further structural details of the Games planned for announcement in June. She also emphasized the need for momentum and increased state involvement to support the project’s progress.
While Vilotte has not formally entered a candidacy process, he has not ruled out the possibility of taking the role. Some reports suggest he may remain in his current position through the summer before making any decision, depending on developments both at the federation and within the Olympic project.
Separately, a ruling from France’s Conseil d’État clarified that the infrastructure associated with the Games does not constitute a single unified project, easing concerns that a comprehensive public consultation would be required. The decision removes a potential procedural hurdle that had been under discussion among stakeholders.
Meanwhile, internal governance adjustments continue, including changes to COJOP committees, as the organisation works to rebuild its leadership structure and advance planning for the 2030 Games.