Johan Eliasch
Johan Eliasch | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth year and age Djursholm, Sweden |
| Occupation(s) | Businessman, investor, sports administrator, environmental advocate, philanthropist |
| Years active | 1985–present |
| Known for | CEO of Head (1995–2021), Chairman of Head, President of International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), co-founder of Cool Earth |
Johan Eliasch (born February 1962) is a businessman and investor holding dual Swedish-British nationality, known also for his roles in sports governance, environmental advocacy, and philanthropy. He led the sporting goods company Head as CEO from 1995 until 2021 and currently holds the position of chairman. According to the Sunday Times Rich List 2025, he ranks 42nd among the wealthiest individuals in the UK, with an estimated fortune of £4 billion.
In 2006, Eliasch co-established Cool Earth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting rainforests. During Gordon Brown’s tenure as Prime Minister, he acted as a special envoy focused on deforestation and clean energy initiatives. Since June 2021, he has been serving as president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), the premier international federation within the Olympic movement, overseeing more than 53% of Olympic Winter Games medal events. Additionally, he is a member of the International Olympic Committee, a council representative for the Association of International Winter Olympic Federations, and sits on the board of the British Olympic Association.
Early life
Johan Eliasch was born in February 1962 in Djursholm, Sweden. His grandfather, G. A. Svensson, was a notable figure in Swedish industry. Eliasch completed a Master of Science degree at the Royal Institute of Technology and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Stockholm University. Between 1980 and 1981, he served in a specialist capacity with the Life-Guard Dragoons, Military Police unit K1 in Stockholm. An avid sportsman, Eliasch has participated competitively in skiing, golf, tennis, curling, sailing, football, ice hockey, and motor racing.
Career
Eliasch’s professional journey began in 1985 with company restructuring at Tufton Group, an investment firm based in London. He went on to establish his own private investment company, Equity Partners, in 1991.
In 1995, he took control of Head Tyrolia Mares when it was burdened with $370 million in debt. Through strategic financial restructuring, targeted acquisitions, and investments in innovation, he revitalized the enterprise—renamed simply Head—turning it into a dominant global brand in sporting goods while serving as CEO until 2021.
His leadership roles have included non-executive chairman positions at Investcorp Europe (2010–2014) and Starr Managing Agents (2008–2015), non-executive directorship at IMG (2006–2013), as well as chairmanship of Aman Resorts from 2014 to 2018. Presently, Eliasch chairs both Equity Partners and London Films, while also contributing to the advisory board of Brasilinvest.
Eliasch has applied his corporate acumen to political advisory roles by participating on International Business Advisory Councils for the mayors of London, Jerusalem, and Rome.
Sports administration
Elected president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in June 2021 after Gian-Franco Kasper’s 23-year leadership, Eliasch resigned from his CEO role at Head to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest. At the 53rd International Ski Congress held in May 2022, he was re-elected without opposition for a term extending through 2026, receiving 70 out of 100 votes cast. His responsibilities also include membership on the International Olympic Committee’s Sustainability and Legacy Commission and serving as President of the Marc Hodler Foundation.
Philanthropy
Eliasch holds the position of Chairman at the Saatchi Gallery in London, a prominent contemporary art venue dedicated to showcasing emerging talent since 1985. He supports Stockholm University as a patron and has participated on advisory panels for organizations such as the Shimon Peres Peace Centre, World Peace Foundation, Centre for Social Justice, and Kew Foundation. His film production portfolio includes titles like The Scarlet Pimpernel, Lady Chatterley, Best of Friends, and Resort to Murder.
Environmental causes
In 2005, Eliasch established the Rainforest Trust, securing a significant portion of Amazon rainforest near the Madeira River to ensure its conservation. He took action to stop logging activities in this area to help lower carbon emissions.
The following year, he co-founded and currently co-leads Cool Earth, a charitable organization that supports indigenous populations and local non-governmental organizations in their efforts to safeguard rainforests and reduce global carbon output.
During Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s administration, Eliasch acted as a special envoy focused on deforestation and clean energy initiatives. In 2007, he spearheaded an independent governmental review examining international financial strategies for forest conservation. The publication of the Eliasch Review in 2008 played a key role in shaping REDD (Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation) policies within global climate agreements.
In 2008, Brazil’s environmental authorities investigated a company Eliasch had acquired over allegations of illegal deforestation dating before his ownership. The company maintained that its logging practices had adhered to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification standards since 2000. The inquiry concluded in 2013 without any legal proceedings.
Currently, Eliasch leads the Foundation for Renewable Energy and Environment, provides counsel to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Polar Regions, and engages with Brasilinvest. He is an advisory board member of the Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative and previously served on the International Advisory Board of the Stockholm Resilience Centre.
He chaired HM Treasury’s technology and innovation advisory group during its 2021–22 net zero review, contributes expertise to RUSI’s Food, Energy and Water security program, and was part of DEFRA’s Council for Sustainable Business.
Political activity
Since 1997, Eliasch has undertaken multiple roles within the Conservative Party (UK), including Deputy Treasurer and Advisor to the Leader on matters related to the Shadow Foreign Secretary and European Affairs. Subsequently, he was appointed by Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a non-partisan special representative focusing on deforestation and clean energy projects.
Between 1996 and 2006, Eliasch participated in the Austrian president's delegation concerning Trade and Industry matters and led the Young Conservatives Party in Djursholm, Sweden from 1979 to 1982.
During the 1990s, Eliasch developed connections with Prince Andrew, Duke of York and arranged a notable charity tennis event at Buckingham Palace featuring John McEnroe versus Björn Borg in support of the NSPCC. He also held a directorship alongside the Duke at Naples Gold Limited.
In 2006, Eliasch co-established the Global Strategy Forum with Rt Hon Michael Ancram and served as its inaugural president. This forum addresses critical strategic policy issues pertinent to international business and governance.
Personal life
From 1988 until 2006, he was married to photographer and filmmaker Amanda Eliasch; together they have two sons. One of their children, Charles Eliasch, pursues a career as an opera vocalist.