Austria Restructures Alpine Staff Ahead Of 2019/20 Season

The Austrian Ski Association announced the restructuring of its alpine staff heading into the 2019/20 season in accordance with President Prof. Peter Schröcksnadel's initiative to ensure continued economic and sporting success in future years. Longtime Sports Director Hans Pum announced his resignation in early April after 42 years of service in the organization which will conclude in July. The plan for succession in administrative and coaching roles has now been revealed. 

Anton "Toni" Giger, who has headed ÖSV's department of development, research, and innovation since 2010, will assume Pum's position as Competitive Sports Director. Patrick Riml, who previously served in director roles in the U.S. and Canada, returns to his native Austria for the first time in 20 years to work in a newly created advisory post where he will oversee the organization and structure in the alpine disciplines. 

Jürgen Kriechbaum, who has served as head women's coach since 2013, will now be responsible for special projects in junior development and talent identification. In his place, Styrian Christian Mitter leaves the Norwegian men's team where he has successfully worked for the past 12 years to assume the role of head women's coach in his native country. 

Schröcksnadel sees this reorganization as a forward-thinking step to secure the world's best administrative and coaching personnel in the Austrian federation.