- I am determined to open up our beautiful sport, promote it, defend it, prepare it for the future but above all to respect it with dignity, says Luc Tardif in a statement on the IIHF's website.
Tardif won the election against Franz Reindl in the fourth and final round.
The 68-year-old will be the 14th chairman of the IIHF and the second from France.
He takes over from René Fasel, who was chairman for 27 years.
In his statement, Tardif says he hopes to live up to Fasel's expectations.
- I only have my determination, my crazy passion for this sport, my feeling for teamwork, my respect for the people and my honesty to offer.
Believe me, I will do everything to be in line with your expectations.