The World Phygital Community (WPC) has appointed David Feng as a Director and Interim Chairman following an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 15 July 2026.
Feng succeeds Dan Merkley, who has stepped down as Chairman following his appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Phygital International, the global rights holder of the Games of the Future.
A member of the WPC Advisory Board, Feng has played an active role in supporting the strategic development of the organization. His appointment provides continuity as the WPC continues to strengthen its global membership, develop phygital sport, and support the growth of the international phygital ecosystem.
Feng is an entrepreneur and international sports executive with more than 25 years’ experience in Olympic and global sports governance, event marketing, event management, hospitality, stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships. He has worked extensively with the International Olympic Committee, National Olympic committees, local organizing committees, international federations, governments and leading global brands associated with the Olympic movement. He also brings significant entrepreneurial experience and a strong track record of building international partnerships across the global sports industry.
As Interim Chairman, Feng will work closely with WPC members to further strengthen governance, expand member engagement, build strategic partnerships, and continue positioning the World Phygital Community as the global governing body for phygital sport.
Commenting on his appointment, David Feng said: “I am honored to be appointed Interim Chairman of the World Phygital Community at such an exciting stage in its development. The future of sport will not be built by one organization alone. It will be built by a global community working together. I would also like to acknowledge Dan Merkley for his outstanding leadership in building the World Phygital Community, and I look forward to working closely with him in our respective roles. My priority is to strengthen our members, expand partnerships, and ensure the WPC continues to provide an open, trusted and collaborative platform for the growth of phygital sport worldwide.”
Following the leadership transition, Dan Merkley has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Phygital International, where he will lead the organization’s long-term strategic growth and the continued international expansion of the Games of the Future and the global phygital movement.
Reflecting on his time leading the World Phygital Community, Dan Merkley said: “I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed CEO of Phygital International in this next chapter for the organization and the broader phygital movement. I feel profound gratitude to the World Phygital Community, our members, and colleagues around the world. It has been a privilege to work alongside them, united by a shared belief in the future of phygital sport. The WPC will flourish under the guidance of Mr. David Feng.”
The appointment comes following the successful Games of the Future 2025 in Abu Dhabi and ahead of the Games of the Future 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, taking place from 29 July to 9 August.
