September 9, 2026
2 minutes reading time
World Sailing appoints Koray Ezer to lead new Sport Department and drive global participation
World Sailing has appointed Koray Ezer as Director of Sport, placing him at the head of a newly created department focused on growing the sport, widening access and strengthening sailing’s long-term development worldwide.
Ezer, formerly Head of International Development at World Sailing, returns to the federation to lead a Sport Department designed to connect its core growth programmes under one clear strategic direction.
The department will bring together Participation & Development, Sustainability, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Para Inclusive Sailing, and Steering the Course, World Sailing’s programme to create and promote more opportunities for women in sailing.
A former national champion in Türkiye, Ezer brings a blend of on-water credibility, performance expertise and international development experience to the role.
Before first joining World Sailing, Ezer was Head of Performance at Oman Sail, where he supported youth, senior and national windsurfing teams and led the restructuring of the organisation’s sailing department. His remit also covered the national Olympic Sailing Programme, world championship-winning racing teams and offshore sailing teams.
His appointment gives World Sailing a dedicated senior leader to connect grassroots participation, inclusion, sustainability and high-performance pathways — strengthening the federation’s ability to support sailors, Member National Authorities and the wider sailing community.
David Graham, CEO of World Sailing, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Koray back to World Sailing as our new Director of Sport. This is a pivotal role in our new structure, and his extensive experience on and off the water makes him ideally placed to lead the new Sport Department.
“Koray’s appointment is an important step forward for World Sailing. His track record in performance, development and organisational leadership will be invaluable as we work to grow the sport, remove barriers to participation and create stronger pathways for sailors at every level.”
Ezer’s appointment marks a step forward in World Sailing’s evolution, bringing sport development, participation and inclusion into one department with a clear mandate to build a stronger, more accessible and more sustainable future for sailing.