Ahead of 2026 Maccabiah, Roy Hessing appointed CEO of Maccabi World Union

The Maccabi World Union has appointed Roy Hessing as its new chief executive, with ultimate responsibility for overseeing its 450 clubs and nearly half a million members worldwide.

Hessing, a former member of Israel’s national water polo team ,joined Maccabi in 2011 as director of sports for the Maccabiah Games, which brings together Jewish athletes from countries around the world every four years. He has served as the CEO for the Games themselves, often known as the “Jewish olympics”, since 2017. In his new role, he will continue to oversee the organisation of the 2026 Maccabiah, which approximately 10,000 athletes are expected to attend.

Chairman of Maccabi World Union, Amir Peled said: “Over the past 14 years, Roy has led numerous achievements and successes for Maccabi, including hosting U.S. President Joe Biden during the 2022 Maccabiah Games. I am confident that as CEO he will continue to bring significant accomplishments. This is also an opportunity to thank Amir Gissin for his dedicated service as CEO over the past three years”.

Hessing said: “I am honoured and proud to take on the enormous responsibility of leading the movement together with the entire Maccabi World Union and Maccabiah team. Maccabi World Union plays a critical role in strengthening the connection between Israel and Diaspora Jewry through identity, values, and sports — especially after two long and difficult years of war.

“We are now working at full speed in preparation for the 2026 Maccabiah Games, which will take place this coming summer and will be the first major international event held in Israel since the events of October 7. I thank Amir Peled and the leadership of Maccabi World Union for their trust, and I wish great success to Amir Gissin as he continues on his path after years of meaningful contribution to the movement”.

The headquarters of Maccabi World Union are located at the Maccabiah Village (“Kfar Maccabiah”) in Ramat Gan, Israel. The movement includes six regional federations: Israel, North America, Latin America, Australia, Europe, and South Africa.

The Maccabiah games were due to be held in 2025, but were postponed until 2026 due to the Israel-Iran conflict in July.