Jose Damiani

Jose, from Paris, France, studied law and economy, and is an entrepreneur.

Unanimously elected as WBF President Emeritus in March 2013, he served as President of the French Bridge Federation from 1978 to 1983 and President of the European Bridge League from 1987 to 1995. During this time, he was honored with the EBL Gold Medal and became EBL President Emeritus.

From 1994 to 2010, Jose held the position of WBF President, and after retiring in Philadelphia, he was awarded the title of WBF Chairman Emeritus. Before his presidency, he was 1st Vice-President and a member of the Executive Council since 1981.

Under his leadership, WBF obtained UNESCO patronage for teaching bridge in schools in 1996. In 1999, the WBF gained recognition from the IOC as an International Sport Federation. Jose became a member of the WBF Committee of Honour in 1998 (now its Chairman) and received the WBF Gold Pin. In 2001, he was honored with the IOC Golden Diploma from Juan Antonio Samaranch.

Twice named IBPA Personality of the Year in 1986 and 2001, Jose is the Founder President of the International Mind Sport Association, serving from 2007 to 2013. As a bridge player, he achieved the title of World International Master. In 2004, he received the Order of Officier de la Legion d’Honneur and the Gold Medal “de la Jeunesse et des Sports” from the President of the French Republic.