Joachim Gossow

Joachim Gossow is an experienced administrator from Germany. His journey in sports administration began over two decades earlier, with a background as both a professional handball player and coach. Gossow played a pivotal role in the success of The World Games 2005 in Duisburg, serving as the Sport Director for the Organising Committee.

Since 2010, he has led the International World Games Association (IWGA) as the CEO, playing key roles in organising international events, including The World Games 2009 in Kaohsiung and The World Games 2013 in Cali, Colombia. His strategic approach aimed to address new challenges and opportunities, presenting the IWGA as an association aware of its growing importance in the global sports landscape.

Joachim Gossow, born in Germany, is a prominent figure in sports administration. He assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of the International World Games Association (IWGA) in July, 2010. Having previously served as the IWGA Sports Director since 2005, Joachim brought a wealth of experience to his new position,

Gossow's journey into sports administration began over two decades earlier when he dedicated over 20 years to the sports administration of the City of Duisburg. He seamlessly transitioned from being an active handball player and coach in the First League to taking on leadership roles in sports organisations. His pivotal role in the success of The World Games 2005 in Duisburg, where he served as the Sport Director for the Organising Committee, showcased his organisational prowess.

The positive trajectory continued with his appointment as the IWGA Sports Director in 2007, where he played a vital role in the preparation and execution of The World Games 2009 in Kaohsiung. Gossow's impact on the organisation was widely recognized, leading to his unanimous selection as the full-time CEO during the SportAccord in Dubai in April 2010.

As CEO, Gossow focused on professionalising the IWGA's operations and consolidating the success achieved in previous editions of The World Games. His efforts were particularly directed towards preparing for The World Games 2013 in Cali, Colombia. Under his leadership, the IWGA aimed to address new challenges and opportunities with confidence, showcasing the association's growing importance in the world of business, media, and potential host cities.

Joachim Gossow envisions a future for the International World Games Association (IWGA) where the organisation stands as a beacon of professionalism and confidence in addressing the evolving landscape of global sports. As the Chief Executive Officer, Gossow is committed to building and extending the structures of The World Games, presenting the IWGA as an entity cognizant of its growing importance in the realms of business, media, and potential host cities. His vision is rooted in harnessing the increased interest in The World Games, garnered since 2005, to propel the association forward, emphasising a self-assured approach to new challenges and opportunities. Gossow's strategic foresight aims to solidify The World Games' position as a premier international sporting event, fostering continued success and relevance in the dynamic world of sports.