Molly Day Appointed FEI Director of Eventing and Driving
In a media release this week, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) announced the appointment of Molly Day (GBR) as its new Director of Eventing and Driving, a senior leadership post created as part of a strategic restructuring of the federation’s sport departments. Day, who brings extensive experience in elite event delivery and international sport governance, will assume the role on 1 February 2026, taking responsibility for two of the FEI’s core disciplines as the organisation seeks to consolidate governance and strengthen competitive pathways across both eventing and driving.
The decision follows an internal realignment that merged the previously separate eventing and driving departments. The integration aims to streamline support structures, enhance coordination between technical committees and national federations, and build on long-term development strategies for both sports. With eventing and driving now overseen under a single directorate, the FEI has signalled an intention to leverage synergies between disciplines while maintaining high standards of competition, safety and athlete preparation across global circuits.
A New Structure for Evolving Disciplines
The newly merged department replaces the previous standalone eventing leadership. Frédérique Reffet Plantier, who had held the position of Eventing Director since early 2025, stood down from that role amid organisational changes as driving was incorporated into the remit. Day now takes the helm of the combined department at a time when both sports are under active development, with expanded World Cup programmes, championship calendars and evolving pathways for athletes and officials.
Day brings extensive experience in equestrian sport administration and major event operations. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of Equestrian Events Inc. (EEI) in Lexington, Kentucky, where she guided one of only seven CCI5* eventing competitions worldwide and oversaw a portfolio that includes CSI5* showjumping classes. Prior to her time in the United States, she held senior leadership roles with The Jockey Club in the United Kingdom, including General Manager positions at Haydock Park and Carlisle Racecourses, where she led major operational and capital initiatives.
Strategic Vision and Operational Leadership
In welcoming Day’s appointment, FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez highlighted her strategic vision, operational expertise and deep knowledge of equestrian sport at the highest level. The FEI said her leadership will be central to strengthening support structures for organisers, officials and athletes across both eventing and driving, and to positioning the merged department for long-term success.
Day’s responsibilities will include refining competition frameworks, supporting athlete development pathways and enhancing cooperation between national federations, technical committees and event organisers. The role places her at the centre of planning and governance for two of the FEI’s core Olympic and non-Olympic disciplines.
Timing and Context
The appointment comes as eventing continues to evolve its global calendar and safety standards alongside international driving and para-driving, which are expanding their competitive footprint within the World Cup structure. Day’s blend of strategic experience and event delivery expertise positions her to lead the merged department through a period of growth and increased international engagement.
