A Swiss finance executive has been appointed as secretary general of the global governing body for the traditional Korean martial art taekwondo, the organization said Tuesday in its first appointment of a non-Korean to the post.

Jean-Marie Ayer took office as secretary general of the World Taekwondo Federation, replacing Yang Jin-suk, who served in the post for five years, the WTF said on its website.

Ayer served as director of the WTF’s Lausanne office over the past six years. His background is in finance and administrative management at companies including ABB Power Generation and Swisscom International, the WTF said.

“Dr. Ayer brings a respected background and knowledge in the sport community,” the WTF said. “Being no stranger to the sport world, his deep understanding of its operations will help to bolster the WTF’s good governance practices. It will also aid in strengthening relations with other sport organizations.”

It is the first time the WTF has chosen a non-Korean as secretary general since its foundation in 1973. 

(Yonhap News)