Isha Ambani appointed to International Volleyball Federation board for 2024-2028 Olympic cycle

The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB or Fédération Internationale de Volleyball) has appointed Isha Ambani, Executive Director, Reliance Retail, and Louise Bawden to its board of administration for the 2024-2028 Olympic cycle. The appointment aims to bring "fresh perspectives, business acumen, and athlete representation" to the organisation’s highest levels, a statement says.

The FIVB, together with its National Federations, is the sole, global volleyball regulatory body responsible for all forms of volleyball and its development. Both Ambani and Bawden have been appointed under FIVB Constitution Article 2.4.1.5, which allows the FIVB President to select up to four additional board members across distinct categories.

Isha Ambani joins the FIVB Board as the appointed member, representing the gender-in-minority category. "Ambani is part of the executive leadership at Reliance Industries Limited and plays a key role across several group companies and others, including Reliance Retail. There, she has spearheaded the company’s expansive growth, driving major digital and e-commerce initiatives," the statement adds, adding that she also heads the company’s diversity and inclusion programme.

Louise Bawden, a three-time Olympian and the President of the FIVB Athletes’ Commission, was chosen by her fellow commission members to join the FIVB Board. A dual Olympian in both indoor and beach volleyball, Bawden has served on the Athletes’ Commission since 2021 and was elected President in 2024 for a four-year term. "Her commitment to championing athletes’ voices, combined with her elite sporting experience, brings invaluable insight to the Board."

Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, the FIVB works closely with all stakeholders of the global Volleyball Family to promote and develop the sport worldwide. Established in 1947, the FIVB supports the growth of national teams and athletes across the globe through programmes like Volleyball Empowerment. The FIVB is also part of the Olympic Movement.