Etienne Van Cann started out in the fencing world as a sabre fencer. Then progressed to various commission and board functions at the Royal Netherlands Fencing Federation.

Educated as an engineer in Electrotechnology (Physics) with specializations in telecommunications, radar technology and avionics he now works for IBM as a Project Manager for large IT Infrastructure project overseeing international teams of architects and engineers and leading projects on a global scale.

Elected in 2017, Etienne leads the SEMI and the Legal Commissions at the European Fencing Confederation.