The chief executive officer of the 2030 French Alps Olympics organising committee has departed his role, following weeks of internal turmoil that have plagued the project.

Cyril Linette’s exit from his position as CEO was formally acknowledged during an executive board meeting last weekend, organisers confirmed on Wednesday.

His departure comes amid a public feud with Edgar Grospiron, the former Olympic champion freestyle skier who chairs the organising committee.

Organisers stated that the decision reflects a collective desire for a “new momentum through renewed governance” as the project enters a crucial phase.

Tensions have escalated in recent months, marked by several high-profile resignations, culminating in the open conflict between Grospiron and Linette.

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This internal strife is the latest episode in a series of turbulences that have weakened the project, following the departures of chief operating officer Anne Murac, communications director Arthur Richer, and Bertrand Méheut, who oversaw the remuneration committee.

Attention is set to turn to the 2030 Games after the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina concluded on Sunday evening following over two weeks of action.

The French Alps Winter Games already faces a tight timeline, with a unique split between snow sports in the mountains and skating events planned for the snow-free French Riviera resort of Nice.

Speed skating is likely to be held abroad at existing venues like the Thialf Arena in Heerenveen, Netherlands, or the Oval Lingotto in Turin, Italy, to avoid the high costs of new construction.

Despite the challenges, stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment. “The stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to the success of the 2030 French Alps Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games,” organisers said.

They added: “The collective priority remains the continuation of the work already underway in service of the project.”

A definitive map of the sites is expected to be decided by the end of June.