The World Flying Disc Federation – WFDF – has appointed Jonathan Rigby as its new Secretary General effective 1 February 2026. With more than 25 years of experience in international sport, commercial strategy and brand development, his arrival comes at a pivotal moment for the federation as it continues to strengthen its institutional framework and expand its global reach.
WFDF, the world governing body for Flying Disc sports and composed of more than 122 national member associations, is recognised by the IOC, the IPC and FISU, and is a member of the IWGA, ARISF, IMGA and TAFISA. Under its 2024–2028 strategic plan, the federation is prioritising youth development, audience expansion, ethical governance and progress along the pathway toward future inclusion in multi-sport events, supported by initiatives such as the National Federation Handbook published in 2025.
A profile aligned with international expansion and modernisation
Rigby’s professional background includes senior roles at Manchester United, where he oversaw more than 45 global partners during a period of significant commercial growth, and at British Cycling, where he led the strategy behind the HSBC UK partnership and negotiated broadcast agreements with BBC, ITV and Eurosport. He also served as Commercial and Marketing Director for the UCI Cycling World Championships, contributing to the event’s brand identity and securing major sponsorship. In addition, he helped launch the first Zwift eSports National Championships, underscoring his track record in digital innovation.
WFDF President Robert “Nob” Rauch stated that “Jonathan’s appointment comes at a critical stage of the federation’s development, as it becomes increasingly important to expand our fan base and consolidate strategic partnerships within the ‘WFDF 3.0’ framework.” Rigby added that “Flying Disc sports are growing rapidly and combine a strong sense of community with formats well suited to today’s digital landscape, offering significant opportunities for visibility and development.”
Recruitment process and leadership transition
The global search process was conducted by Odgers through its London and New York offices, attracting more than 250 candidates from the sports sector, the commercial industry and organisations linked to the Olympic ecosystem. The recruitment unfolded during a period of internal transformation and a need for leadership profiles experienced in international expansion.
Rigby will succeed Volker Bernardi, who passed away in August after 15 years of distinguished service to the federation. His appointment represents a continuation of WFDF’s executive structure at a time when the strategic plan is entering a key stage of implementation.
Governance and international projection
WFDF, a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Code, has significantly strengthened its governance standards. In 2025, it achieved the second-highest score in the ARISF international governance review, which evaluated 29 IOC-recognised federations, placing WFDF among the best-rated organisations in transparency, sustainability and ethical management. These efforts are supported by capacity-building tools for member federations and the consolidation of harmonised governance frameworks.
The federation will continue to develop its disciplines and support global growth, with a particular focus on youth programmes and institutional expansion across new regions. Rigby will formally assume his role on 1 February 2026, coinciding with ongoing progress under the WFDF 3.0 project aimed at enhancing the international positioning of Flying Disc sports and advancing their integration into the multi-sport landscape.
