Fairweather, who will join FIH in October, is currently working at the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as director of its European Regional Office and International Federations Relations, based in Geneva.

He had previously worked for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as director of sport.

"I am delighted to be taking up the role of chief executive of the FIH - the sport that is in my blood and that I am immensely passionate about," said Fairweather, who played the sport to a high level in South Africa.

"The FIH is at an exciting stage of development which no doubt will bring challenges but also many opportunities for the sport.

"I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to achieving the goals and objectives of the FIH."

Leandro Negre, the President of the FIH, who are based in Lausanne, claimed the world hockey body would benefit from Fairweather's appointment.

"I am pleased that Kelly accepted our proposal." said Negre.

"We have a lot of expectations of his knowledge of the world of sports."

Troendle, who had been the FIH's director general since May 2008, is due to retire at the end of this month.

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