LAUSANNE -- Former president of the International Ski Federation (FIS) Gian Franco Kasper has passed away at age 77 on Friday, the FIS announced on its website.

Born in 1944, the Swiss was appointed Secretary-General of FIS by the then-president Marc Hodler in 1975 and succeeded Hodler as FIS President in 1998. After serving 23 years as the FIS President, Franco stepped down a month ago as Johan Eliasch was elected president at the 52nd International Ski Congress in June.

Kasper was hospitalized with breathing problems days before the Congress, where he was named an Honorary President of the FIS, until he passed away on Friday evening.

"Gian Franco Kasper was unique in the international sports community," Eliasch paid tribute in a statement. "He built FIS from a small federation to the undisputed leader in winter sports, a testament to his vision and work ethic.

"His understated nature and his quick wit will be deeply missed within FIS and the international sports world. On behalf of the entire FIS family, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the Kasper family."

Kasper has also served as a member of the International Olympic Committee from 2000 to 2018, Executive Member from 2016-2018, and member of the World Anti-Doping Agency since 2003.

Kasper received the Olympic Order and was named an IOC Honorary Member in 2018.