FIA announces new arrivals after high-profile exits
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FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has clashed with commercial rights holders Liberty Media and drivers on several issues.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Formula One’s governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
The FIA said on Oct 9 that Spaniard Alberto Villarreal had joined as general manager, reporting to Ben Sulayem and senate president Carmelo Sanz de Barros, in a role “bringing leadership to the FIA administration”.
He effectively takes over from Natalie Robyn, the FIA’s first chief executive officer who left in May after serving for just 18 months, although the job has become more streamlined since her departure.
Robyn was the fourth senior employee to depart since December, with sporting director Steve Nielsen, single-seater technical director Tim Goss and women’s commission head Deborah Mayer all leaving before her.
Media reports of an exodus were further fuelled by the departures of the director of communications, secretary-general of mobility, head of commercial legal affairs and the governance and regulatory director.
The FIA said Italian Alessandra Malhame was also joining as senior human resources director.
“In his role, Alberto will oversee the operational and financial performance of the organisation, bringing leadership to the FIA administration, ensuring alignment with the FIA’s strategic objectives, and prioritising the interests of FIA members in decision-making,” the FIA said in a statement.
“Malhame joins the FIA to provide strategic leadership in human resources, guiding HR operations and workplace strategies for the organisation.
“Her expertise in organisation and talent development, culture building and engagement will be crucial as the FIA continues to optimise its human capital.”
Ben Sulayem took over as president at end-2021 and is expected to stand for a second term in 2025.
The former United Arab Emirates rally driver has clashed with F1 commercial rights holders Liberty Media and drivers on several issues, even after saying in early 2023 that he intended to step away from day-to-day involvement in F1 to focus on strategic matters.
Most recently he compared drivers to rappers and asked them to cut down on bad language, with Red Bull’s triple champion Max Verstappen ordered to carry out community service for swearing
Ben Sulayem had pledged in his first election manifesto to appoint a CEO “to provide an integrated and aligned operation” as well as a revised governance framework.
On the new appointments, he said: “I am delighted to welcome Alberto and Alessandra to the team.
“With Alberto’s vast leadership experience, I am confident he will drive sustainability in our financial performance, governance and operations and deliver value for our members.
“Alessandra brings a wealth of HR expertise to the federation.
“I am confident she will ensure the development of our most precious commodity – our people.” REUTERS
