Verpoorten elected Badminton Europe President in long-awaited reshuffle

By Nick Butler

April 14 - Gregory Verpoorten has been elected the new President of Badminton Europe at an Annual Delegates' Meeting in Dublin.

The 35-year-old Belgian succeeds Poul-Erik Høyer as head of the continental federation after the Dane stepped down in May 2013 to become President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

Since then, Portugal's Joao Matos has served as Acting President.

In addition to a successful career in finance, Verpoorten has vast experience in badminton administration since first becoming a coach with the Belgian Badminton Federation in 2003.

From 2006, he served a five-year tenure as President of the national federation, and in 2007 become a director of development at Badminton Europe before being appointed vice-president of the BWF in 2009.

Gregory Verpoorten replaces Poul Erik Høyer after the Dane graduated to the BWF Presidential position last year ©AFP/Getty Images

At the meeting in Dublin, Murat Özmekik of Turkey was also appointed as the new vice-president of Badminton Europe, replacing Alberto Miglietta after the Italian did not seek re-election at the end of a five-year term.

In two further additions to the 10-strong Council, Richard Vaughan of Ireland was elected director for communications and France's Jean-Marc Serfaty as the new director for development.

Marketing director Kevin Scott of England was also re-elected to his position for the next three years.

As well as these appointments, the meeting approved changes to the Confederation's rules and regulations and accepted the budget for 2014 and financial forecasts for 2015 and 2016.

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