“Open commu­ni­ca­tion is the be-all and end-all” – Alexander Helwig in inter­view

Alexander Helwig, you are taking over the Austrian Ice Hockey Federation at an absolute sporting high. What opportunities does this present?
Alexander Helwig: “Yes, the Federation is on an absolute sporting upswing. That also creates momentum and opens doors with potential partners and sponsors. It increases attention for our sport in general and the national teams in particular. It is a very good time to take on responsibility and carry this momentum forward in order to turn sporting success into economic success as well. We must ensure that these successes are sustainable. That is why infrastructure in Austria, the promotion of youth development and professional structures at all levels are important issues in driving long-term, positive development.”

What exactly will your remit involve?
Alexander Helwig: “The Executive Board and I are still coordinating on that. Essentially, it is about the overall coordination of the Federation, excluding the sporting area, which is the responsibility of Sports Director Roger Bader for the men and Martin Kogler for the women. My role will include areas such as funding, funding projects, the national teams, marketing, commercialisation and sponsorship, livestreams and much more. My initial focus will be on close cooperation, good coordination and communication with the sporting management, the regional associations, leagues, clubs, as well as our partners and sponsors, in order to create synergies and implement the strategic objectives that we will set and define.”

How much have you already been able to exchange ideas with various stakeholders, and how important is open dialogue to you?
Alexander Helwig: “I have been in intensive dialogue with the Executive Board, as well as with Roger Bader and Martin Kogler, since the summer. This also includes certain partners, stakeholders and the win2day ICE Hockey League. This has already enabled me to gain an initial overview of the overall situation. I am now looking forward to officially meeting the staff in the office. I am convinced that open communication is the be-all and end-all. I see the Federation as a bridge-builder between all stakeholders for ice hockey as a whole. Open and honest dialogue is essential in that regard. Our focus must always be on improving the framework conditions at all levels.”

What goals have you set yourself for the coming months?
Alexander Helwig: “A precise definition of objectives, as well as a mission and a vision statement, will be announced at a later date, once I am actively involved in my role as ÖEHV Managing Director. In the short term, I need to continue gathering a great deal of information about the overall ice hockey system – what is working well? Where is there potential for improvement? And so on. It is important to continue the existing programmes in a stable manner. In a further step, we will formulate priorities and objectives for the coming months and years and coordinate them with the Executive Board. Personally, it is important to me that we establish close links and clear processes in order to create good, positive cooperation between the Federation, the regional associations, the leagues and the clubs.”

How will you approach the issue of commercialisation?
Alexander Helwig: “I do not see commercialisation as an isolated area, but as something that runs through the entire Federation. Our objective must be to position the Federation as an attractive partner. This includes creating a brand, a clear statement and a vision to explain who we are and what we want to achieve. Sporting success gives us momentum in this respect. We will put together individual packages for potential partners. In addition, we need to use our channels in a targeted way and bring partners on board in order to present the Federation differently externally than has previously been the case.”

In the national team area, you have two experts at your side in Sports Director Roger Bader and Women’s General Manager Martin Kogler. Have there already been initial discussions about further development and shared objectives?
Alexander Helwig: “Yes, we are already in very close dialogue here and I am looking forward to working together. Here, too, we need to define what is required to improve the framework conditions in all areas. We want to do everything possible to sell out our home games and make them profitable. We want to spark enthusiasm, and I am convinced that we will succeed because we are on a very good sporting path. Commercialisation plays an important role in this context. We need to create new synergies and use innovative ideas to turn our home games into an event.”

What emotions do you bring to your first day at work, and what will be your first task?
Alexander Helwig: “With joy, motivation and positive anticipation. Working in sports management, especially in ice hockey, has always been close to my heart. My first task in the office will be to get to know all members of staff. I have already prepared something for that, too. It will not just be a matter of shaking hands. We will also hold in-depth discussions and analyse the current processes in the office. I want to create a positive sense of togetherness from day one.”