Jörn Schlimm

As Senior Manager at FIFA, Joern provides audit, risk and advisory services to all divisions to support the continuous development of the organization. Joern was responsible for designing FIFA’s first-ever risk management framework in line with ISO 31000 and facilitated its implementation as a strategic management tool. His current advisory work at FIFA includes the development of modern approaches to fan engagement and the use of emerging technologies.

In addition to his work at FIFA, Joern is pursuing his Ph.D. at the German Sports University Cologne, researching the risks and opportunities cryptocurrencies and metaverses present for sports organizations.

Before joining FIFA, Joern founded a sports consultancy in Dubai offering governance and risk management services for sports organizations around the globe. Joern advised significant clients like the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and conducted audits on behalf of the AFC across all member associations in Asia. His previous work experience also includes the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy in Qatar, where he implemented their Quality Management System and served as Lead Auditor for the organization.

As a keen learner, Joern has obtained various professional certifications, including a Quality Management Systems Lead Auditor certification by the British Standards Institution and the International Register of Certificated Auditors. He is also a Certified Risk Management Professional based on ISO 31000:2018, ISO/IEC 27001:2013, and ISO 22301:2019. Before embarking on his journey in sports, he was a manager of PwC’s Risk Management and Internal Audit practice and worked with the “Big4” for more than eight years in Europe and the Middle East.

Joern holds an MBA in Accounting and Finance from the US and a German University of Applied Sciences Diploma in International Business. He is a Fulbright Alumnus, a member of the international honor society Beta Gamma Sigma and the Chartered Quality Institute incorporated by Royal Charter in England and Wales.

Joern has spent his life across the globe with his wife, two children, and two rescue dogs, having lived in Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Germany, Venezuela, Spain, and the United States. He is fluent in German (native), English, and Spanish and studies Arabic.