The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) governing body has appointed Stefan Bergh as its new secretary general.
He will step into the role during the first quarter of 2026, “following a structured transition period.”
As secretary general, Bergh will lead the ITTF administration and “drive the federation’s strategic execution and international presence, working across governance, events, development, and global partnerships.”
The federation’s recruitment process was supported by the Elevate Talent agency.
ITTF president Petra Sörling said: “The ITTF membership renewed its trust in my leadership and in our programme, and it is my responsibility to match that mandate with the right leadership structure.
“Following a comprehensive and fair recruitment process supported by a specialised agency and involving the executive board, we are confident Stefan Bergh is the right leader to serve our diverse membership and strengthen the federation’s governance and effectiveness.
“As we celebrate the ITTF centenary in 2026, the path ahead is ambitious. We have an opportunity to future-proof our sport for the next generation, and Stefan Bergh will lead the ITTF administration through this next chapter as we continue our work to keep table tennis ahead.”
Bergh replaces Raul Calin, who departed last November to take up the same position at World Archery.
Calin had served as the ITTF secretary general since 2017.
His departure was part of a major administrative reshuffle within the organization late last year.
ITTF group chief executive Steve Dainton has transitioned to chief executive of the World Table Tennis (WTT) commercial organization.
Dainton officially took on that role on January 1, and a hiring search to replace him is also in progress. The ITTF’s current leadership team has stepped in on an interim basis to ensure day-to-day activities remain fulfilled.
The body has also transitioned to a new executive board following its recent 2025 annual general meeting (AGM).
That board is composed of Anthony Moore (Australia), Liu Guoliang (China), Paul Calle (Ecuador), Zeina Rashid (Jordan), Wahid Oshodi (Nigeria), Beatrice Romanescu (Romania), Veli Ozan Cakir (Turkey), and Virginia Sung (USA).
Sörling was re-elected as president for a second four-year term back in May after a controversial election at the body’s AGM, which was subsequently suspended after it was “disrupted by outsiders” according to the executive board.
Bergh has extensive international sport governance and leadership experience, having served as secretary general and CEO of the Swedish Sports Confederation since 2016, the umbrella body for Swedish sport.
He also has experience in the European and global sports movement, including as president of ENGSO (European Non-Governmental Sports Organisation) and in senior roles within the International University Sports Federation (FISU).
On his appointment, he said: "I am thrilled at the prospect of helping table tennis reach new heights and achieve even greater success worldwide. It is with great enthusiasm that I look forward to, in cooperation with the ITTF executive board, ITTF member associations, and staff, contributing to the continued progress of table tennis.
“The significant development of the sport in recent years shows that there is still potential. As I prepare to step into the role, my first priority will be to connect with the ITTF’s leadership, member associations and staff to understand the federation’s priorities and how we can best deliver them.”
