Lausanne, Switzerland – 20 August 2025
The International Ski Mountaineering Federation (ISMF) is pleased to announce the appointments of Mr. Shiva Keshavan, OLY as Head of Sport & Events and Ms. Monika Strojny as Development & Event Coordinator, marking a major step forward in the implementation of the ISMF Sport & Events Department review.
These appointments are the outcome of a comprehensive process to strengthen operational capacity, competition planning, and long-term sport development. The result is a restructured department designed to meet ISMF’s growing responsibilities in the lead-up to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games and beyond.
“We’re pleased to welcome Shiva and Monika into these key roles at a crucial time for our sport,” said Ramone Cooper, ISMF General Director. “This structure will bring greater clarity and coordination across the department—from event planning and officiating to athlete and National Member development. Shiva brings leadership and broad international experience to guide the next phase of our sport’s growth, while Monika brings detailed technical knowledge and hands-on experience to strengthen how we plan and deliver our events. Together, they give us the capability and talent we need to move forward.”
Shiva Keshavan – Appointed as Head of Sport & Events (Starting 1 November 2025)
Originally from the Himalayas, Shiva Keshavan grew up in the mountains and brings over 20 years of experience in high-level sport administration. He joins the ISMF following a global search process and will be based in Italy.
A six-time Winter Olympian in luge, Shiva has held several international sport leadership roles, including serving as Head of Olympic Scholarships and part of the strategy team Reliance Foundation – India’s largest corporate sport programme, Deputy Chef de Mission for Paris 2024, and Executive Board Member of the Olympic Council of Asia.
He has contributed to several coordination commissions for the Winter Asian Games and national multi-sport events and has worked as a consultant to international federations, National Olympic Committees, and government programmes.
He has held roles on sport commissions with the International Luge Federation and Chaired the Ad Hoc Committee of the National Ski and Snowboard Federation. Fluent in six languages, Shiva holds postgraduate qualifications in sport administration and international relations, and is of Italian and Indian descent.
In this new role, Shiva will lead the ISMF Sport & Events Department, overseeing the international calendar, event planning and delivery, sport rules and officiating, rankings and results, athlete pathways, and sport development programs.
Shiva will work closely with Monika Strojny, to ensure continuity across current operations and strengthen the link between strategic leadership and operational execution.
“I’m excited to be joining the ISMF team during such a dynamic phase for the sport,” said Shiva Keshavan. “The sport is unique in its connect with nature and sustainability with a close knit community that brings passion and technical competence that contribute to its growing momentum and success. I look forward to building on the strong foundations already in place and supporting the ISMF and its members to elevate our sport globally.”
Monika Strojny – Appointed as Development & Event Coordinator (Effective 1 August 2025)
The appointment of Monika Strojny as Development & Event Coordinator formalizes her ongoing contributions to Olympic Solidarity program delivery and event coordination. This part-time role was established to strengthen event planning and coordination capacity, ensuring the function of the Event Coordinator is in place through the full planning lifecycle of our events.
Monika’s background as an ISMF Council member and experienced international referee brings strong sport-specific expertise and institutional knowledge. She has played an integral role in recent seasons, supporting event delivery, youth development programs, and coordination with Local Organizing Committees.
In her new role, Monika will be responsible for core areas of event planning and logistics, coordination with LOCs, Olympic Solidarity program delivery, and operational support across the competition calendar.
Ski mountaineering is a sport I care deeply about,” said Monika. “It’s an honour to support its continued development by helping to strengthen the planning and delivery of ISMF events. I look forward to working closely with our partners and bringing consistency and energy to this new role.”