A month after winning the presidency, Timur Turlov has outlined his vision for restructuring FIDE. In a statement published on October 26, he described the federation as entering its next stage of development and introduced a reorganization that creates new bodies and brings fresh leadership to key positions.
The reorganization aims to sharpen the division between those who govern FIDE and those who run it. The General Assembly remains the supreme body, while the FIDE Council will take a more active role in setting strategic priorities and monitoring their implementation. A new Governance Secretariat will support the governing bodies and commissions, and the President's Office will focus on strategy and major international projects through Special Representatives assigned to particular areas. Day-to-day operations will fall under a Secretary General who leads the administration with clearly defined departmental responsibilities.
Turlov also established an Advisory Board of internationally experienced professionals to offer guidance on long-term strategy and assess new initiatives within the existing framework. Three appointments were announced. Adil Kozhikhov, described as a long-time adviser to Turlov, takes on the role of Head of the President's Office. Darmen Sadvakasov, a grandmaster from Kazakhstan, will chair the Advisory Board. Alina Dvoretskaya, who previously served as Director General of the International School Chess Federation, becomes Secretary General.
The statement emphasizes familiar priorities including greater support for national federations, expanded chess education, new international partnerships and improved use of technology. Turlov frames his reorganization as fulfilling campaign promises and introduces the principle that strong institutions should maintain strategic continuity regardless of leadership changes.
However, the statement provides limited specifics about implementation. No timeline, budget or effective date has been set, and the Advisory Board's size and full membership remain undisclosed. The names of the Special Representatives and other key administrators have not been announced, and how the new structure will integrate with existing commissions is unclear. Further details may emerge at the Extraordinary General Assembly scheduled for December 27, though the current invitation does not confirm whether the reorganization will be discussed.