André von Rotz officially began his tenure as UIAA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in February 2025.

André von Rotz, a German national and graduate mechanical engineer, spent over 11 years working in Switzerland for Mammut. His most recent role was Head of Quality, where he led an international team of engineers, quality managers, textile specialists and inspectors in Asia, at the HQ in Switzerland and at the subsidiary in Germany. He was also responsible for the repair workshops in Switzerland and Europe. With past roles in product compliance and product development, von Rotz brings vast experience and expertise in the fields of climber safety and equipment. As part of his role at Mammut, a UIAA Safety Label Holder, von Rotz was an active member of the pool of climbing equipment manufacturers who have supported the research, testing and development of UIAA Safety Standards.

Carol Kahoun-Kauer (SUI) has been with the UIAA since 2017. In her previous position as the Sport Event Coordinator, she managed the UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour. Today, she represents the UIAA on national and international sustainability platforms, and supports the development of the Global Mountain Network through cooperation with relevant organisations and partners. Carol serves as the office support of the Mountain Protection and Medical Commissions as well as UIAA unit members, such as the International Skyrunning Federation. Previously, she has worked in the hotel industry in the iconic Swiss village of Zermatt and has managed a massage studio, alongside taking courses to become a naturopath. Carol was a tennis player and as a Swiss mountain native always enjoyed the outdoors, be it (sky)running, hiking or bouldering.

Peter Bourne (UK) has worked as the Communication Manager for the UIAA since late 2015. He is responsible for the development and implementation of the UIAA’s communication strategy, plan and distribution tools and is chief content producer for the federation. Responsibilities include overall management of the UIAA website, delivery of newsletters and press releases and production of the UIAA Annual Report. Peter has worked in the communication, host broadcast and sponsoring areas of the sporting world for over 20 years including on three Olympic Games, two FIFA World Cups, three World Athletics Championships and a host of other events. Peter competes in a number of triathlon and running events and enjoys hiking in the mountains.

Philippe’s passion for the mountains inspired him to apply for a position at the UIAA in 2023. At the start of 2024 he officially joined as Mountain Safety Project Manager.

In his current position, Philippe manages the UIAA Safety Label administration and the functioning and issuing UIAA Safety Label certificates. His responsibilities also include being the office support of the Safety and Training Commissions. Additionally, Philippe coordinates the edition of the Alpine Handbooks and other UIAA publications.

Previously, Philippe worked in the cycling industry, spent a season in a mountain hut and also contributed to the development of a trekking agency in West Africa. Particularly fond of multi-day adventures in the mountains, Philippe has also gathered a large database of self-catering refuges around the world. In the summer, Philippe indulges in a variety of mountain pursuits including mountaineering, trail running, climbing, and mountain biking. In winter, he practises ski mountaineering and ice climbing.

Rob Adie from the UK has been with the UIAA since 2017 as Sports Event Coordinator. He is responsible for coordination, planning and implementation of projects, activities and decisions of the UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour including the UIAA Ice Climbing World Championships, UIAA Ice Climbing World Youth Championships and Continental Cup Series. He also fosters the development of relationships with sport organisations, stakeholders and partners: IOC, member federations, event organisers, sponsors, media, athletes and officials. Rob provides support and implementation of sport-related projects and decisions of the UIAA Executive Board, Management Committee, General Assembly and Commissions as well as providing support for the Youth and Anti-Doping Commissions. Previous to his time at the UIAA, Rob worked for ten years at the British Mountaineering Council running their national and international competition programme. Rob is an active climber, skier and mountain biker.

Stephanie Stettbacher (USA) has been with the UIAA since 2014. Originally hailing from the USA, and flattest state of Florida, Stephanie’s journey has taken her across continents, from the swamps of America to the wilds of South Africa before settling in the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland in 2001.

Having previously supported the Safety Commission as Safety Label Administrator, Stephanie is now the UIAA Office Manager, overseeing member association management, coordinating the annual General Assembly, Management Board and UIAA Commission meetings. When not handling paperwork and meetings, Stephanie finds solace in the great outdoors. You’ll often find her lacing up her hiking boots and rallying her friends for an adventure in the mountains or taking a refreshing dip in alpine lakes.

Tom Tushaw (UK) has worked as the Social Media Manager for the UIAA since 2021. In that time, he has worked on the UIAA Ice Climbing World Tour and helped to deliver the UIAA’s communication strategy by developing the social media channels for the federation. Alongside working for the UIAA, Tom is an IRATA Rope Access Technician and videographer for the UK government. He is a keen climber, skier and enjoys nothing more than camping in the mountains.