The World Bridge Federation is run by an Executive Council consisting of delegates from the eight geographical zones, plus the President.

There are five delegates from the European Bridge League (Zone 1), five from the North American Bridge Federation (Zone 2), two from the Pacific Asia Bridge Federation (Zone 6) and one from each of the other five geographical zones. In addition, two more members of the Council are elected by the High Level Players Commission. Thus the Council has twenty voting members, including the President.

The Executive Council meets annually at the site of the World Championships. There is also a Management Committee which transacts necessary business between Executive Council meetings.

The presidential term is four years from late in even-number non-Olympiad years such as 2014.