The first CEO of International Automobile Federation (FIA), Natalie Robynwill leave his role and the regulatory body at the end of this month to pursue other job opportunities, it was announced this Wednesday.
Robyn was appointed to the role in November 2022 as part of a proposal from the entity’s president, Mohammed Ben Sulayemto reform the management structure of the motoring authority.
She was chosen after more than 15 years of experience in the automotive sector, having previously served as CEO of Volvo in Switzerland since 2017, in addition to having held management positions at Nissan and on Daimler-Chrysler.
Since her arrival, she has helped lead an overhaul of the structure of the FIA and continued to modernize its governance, in addition to helping to ensure greater financial stability for the body that regulates the Formula 1 and other international categories.
However, it is understood that her desire to return to work in the automotive sector caused her to rethink her plans and reach an agreement with FIA to leave office at the end of May.
Talking about your decision, Robyn said: “Serving as CEO at the FIA has been an enormous privilege, and I am grateful to have led a program of restructuring and reform. Now is the time to step aside, knowing that the organization is best positioned for the challenges that lie ahead “.
“I am very proud of my role in advancing the FIA’s transformation in both sport and mobility, and I am pleased to leave an organization made up of a wonderful team of talented and dedicated individuals,” he explained. Natalie.
Photo by: FIA
The president Ben Sulayem added: “Natalie’s appointment was notable as the first CEO in the FIA’s history. She contributed greatly to a broad reorganization of our operational and management structure, as well as our financial sustainability.”
“On behalf of the FIA, I wish her the best in her future endeavors,” he added. Although Robyn’s departure was mutually agreed upon, his departure marks the departure of yet another high-profile figure.
Last year, the sporting director Steve Nielsen and the technical director of single-seaters Tim Goss resigned from their positions shortly after the departure of Deborah Mayer as head of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission.
The FIA has since announced that Alfa Romeo’s former technical director, Jan Monchauxwould replace Goss, reporting directly to the long-time single-seater technical chief, Nikolas Tombazis. The function of Nielsen was taken over by Tim Malyonwho had previously served as FIA safety director.
