Jan Henric Buettner – Candidate for FIDE Presidency 2026
Together with Malcolm Pein, Candidate for Deputy President
A stronger FIDE means stronger national federations. More players, more opportunities, more funding — reaching every federation, large or small.
"I am not here to change chess.
I am coming to grow chess."
Our Journey of Listening
Built from the Voices of the Chess World
Over the past months, I have had the privilege of meeting delegates from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
During those conversations, I asked every federation the same simple question:
"If you could change just one thing about FIDE, what would it be?"
While every country faces its own unique circumstances, I was struck by how often I heard the same aspirations:
My manifesto is built on those conversations. They are also the reason why I decided to stand for President of FIDE.
Three priorities for the next four years
A clear vision, a practical plan, and a proven history of turning ambitious ideas into reality.
Growing the Chess Economy
Scaling chess through technology and business expertise — attracting new sponsors, media partners, and investors to build a sustainable global chess economy.
Federation Support
Direct financial and structural strength for national federations worldwide — development funding, training, and practical tools that help every federation become more self-sufficient.
Structural Modernization
Transparent processes and contemporary governance within FIDE — measured by results, not announcements, with accountability at every level.
CHESS MANIFESTO SUMMARY
The Four-Year Commitments
"Leadership is measured not by promises, but by execution."
01
Member federations receive 20% of all FIDE revenue.
02
Bring USD 50 million of new commercial revenue into chess.
03
Create a global digital federation service platform.
04
Add 10 million children to school chess programs.
05
Increase female participation by 50%.
06
Train 10,000 coaches and arbiters.
07
Support 100 new international tournaments.
08
Create professional pathways for 1,000 talents.
09
Publish quarterly transparency reports.
10
Deliver measurable progress reports every year.
After speaking withe federations across all continents, I am hereby presenting a platform built from those conversations.
With this Chess Manifesto Summary, I am addressing the approximately 200 delegates of the FIDE General Assembly as part of my candidacy to become the next President of FIDE following the election scheduled for September 2026.
As I do not yet have the privilege of knowing many of you personally, I have attached a short document entitled About JHB, which provides a brief introduction to my background and experience. While my previous achievements may help establish credibility, this manifesto is not intended to focus on the past. Instead, it seeks to answer a single and important question:
What will be better for FIDE, for its member federations, and for the global chess community four years from now?
Over the coming months, I intend to listen carefully to your ideas, concerns, and challenges, and to better understand how FIDE can support your efforts to grow chess in your respective countries. At the same time, I believe every leadership campaign should present a clear vision, practical solutions, and a credible path toward implementation.
To that end, I am addressing the following key themes:
Jan Henric Buettner
Serial Entrepreneur, Creator, Leader, and Philanthropist Founder of AOL Europe; Headline Venture Capital; WEISSENHAUS – Private
Nature Luxury Resort; Big Barn Studios & Record Co.; Freestyle Chess Co. / Author “Bite-sized wisdom for life”
The Candidate
A builder, not a manager of the status quo
For decades, Jan Henric Buettner has founded companies, developed international businesses, raised investment capital, created media platforms, and organized major events — turning ambitious ideas into successful realities across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa.
He understands the challenges of growth because he has spent his life creating it — and he understands the needs of smaller federations, because building something from the ground up requires the same qualities: vision, perseverance, and the ability to achieve more with limited resources.
His work in chess has already shown what is possible: attracting sponsors, broadcasters, investors, and new audiences to the game on an international stage.
If elected, I will step away from all commercial interests in chess, ensuring complete independence and eliminating even the appearance of a conflict of interest.
Jan Henric Buettner's Professional Journey
At a Glance
Jan Henric Buettner (born September 10, 1964) is an entrepreneur and investor with a career spanning mobile technology, the internet, venture capital, luxury hospitality, and chess. He has lived in Germany, California, and now primarily resides in South Africa.
Mobile Technology & Internet Innovation
In 1989, Jan helped shape Germany’s private mobile telephony market through Axel Springer Verlag’s D2 license bid. In 1992, he founded the world’s first multimedia online service, which became AOL Europe in 1995. In 2000, Bertelsmann’s and Jan’s stake was sold to AOL in a $10 billion transaction.
Venture Capital & Silicon Valley
After moving to California in 1997, Jan founded BV Capital (now Headline Ventures), which manages over $4 billion in assets today. He led investments in companies including GoToMeeting, Groupon, and Sonos.
Luxury Hospitality & Weissenhaus Castle Estate:
In 2006, Jan acquired the 400-year-old Weissenhaus estate on Germany’s Baltic coast. With investments exceeding €150 million, he transformed it into an internationally recognized luxury resort.
Chess & Sports Innovation
In 2024, Jan co-founded Freestyle Chess together with Magnus Carlsen, bringing new commercial partners and global audiences into chess.
Expertise & Thought Leadership
A recognized expert in technology, venture capital, hospitality, and sports, Jan advises business leaders worldwide. He is also the author of 7x7 JBite-Sized Wisdom for Life ;), available in print and audio formats.
Malcolm Pein
International Master; Founder of Chess in Schools and Communities; Organiser of the London Chess Classic; former Vice President of the European Chess Union; England's FIDE Delegate; Executive Editor of CHESS Magazine and correspondent of The Daily Telegraph
Candidate for Deputy President
The voice of experience in world chess
For more than forty years, Malcolm Pein has worked at the highest levels of chess as a player, organiser, journalist, entrepreneur, and administrator. Few people have contributed to the game across so many different areas and built such strong relationships throughout the international chess community.
As organiser of the London Chess Classic and more than 200 tournaments worldwide, he has shown how top-level competition can attract sponsors, inspire new players, and strengthen federations.
Through Chess in Schools and Communities, the charity he founded in 2009, he has helped introduce chess to more than 500,000 children and supported over 3,000 schools across the United Kingdom.
As former Vice President of the European Chess Union and England's FIDE Delegate, Malcolm understands both the opportunities and challenges facing federations today and has consistently advocated for stronger support, better governance, and sustainable growth
My goal is to help every federation, every organiser, and every player benefit from the opportunities that chess can create.
Malcom Pein's Professional Journey
At a Glance
Malcolm Pein (born 14 August 1960) is an International Master, chess organiser, journalist, author, entrepreneur, and chess administrator. For more than four decades, he has worked to grow chess through competition, education, media, and international governance.
Playing Career & Coaching
A former British Junior Champion and International Master, Malcolm has coached elite players and captained England teams at major international competitions. His experience spans both competitive chess and player development.
Tournament Organisation & Global Events
As organiser of the London Chess Classic and more than 200 chess tournaments, Malcolm has brought world-class events to international audiences while creating opportunities for players at every level.
Chess in Schools & Communities
In 2009, Malcolm founded Chess in Schools and Communities, a charity that has introduced chess to more than 500,000 children and supported over 3,000 schools across the United Kingdom.
Media & Communication
For nearly four decades, Malcolm has been one of the most recognised voices in chess journalism as Executive Editor of CHESS Magazine and chess correspondent for The Daily Telegraph.
International Leadership & Governance
As former Vice President of the European Chess Union and England's FIDE Delegate, Malcolm has worked closely with federations worldwide, advocating for stronger governance, greater opportunities, and sustainable growth across the global chess community.
Download Jan Henric Buettner's CV & Chess Manifesto Summary in Your Language
Get in touch
Let's build the future of your federation together.
Over the coming months, my priority is dialogue — to hear your ideas, understand your challenges, and learn how FIDE can better support your federation and your players.