FIA CEO Steps Down - 'Appointment Was Notable'

FIA CEO Natalie Robyn resigns after impactful tenure, initiating a leadership transition within the federation.

Nov 3, 2019; Austin, TX, USA; A view of the FIA Formula One flag before the United States Grand Prix / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Natalie Robyn has announced her resignation as the CEO of FIA, marking a notable end to her significant tenure. Her departure follows a series of high-profile exits from the organization.

The Federation Internationale de l'Automobile, commonly known as the FIA, is set to face another leadership transformation as CEO Natalie Robyn announced her resignation effective at the end of May. Appointed in late 2022, Robyn’s tenure was brief yet marked by substantial changes and modernization across the organization.

Robyn’s time at the helm was characterized by a series of changes that aimed to realign FIA with contemporary governance demands and to improve its financial footing. Under her guidance, the FIA overhauled its operational structure and instituted better governance mechanisms, which have been pivotal in steering the federation towards sustainable financial stability.

Reflecting on her decision, Robyn expressed a deep sense of accomplishment and readiness to seek new challenges:

"It has been an enormous privilege and I am grateful to have directed a program of restructuring and reform. Now is the time to step away in the knowledge that the organization is better placed for the challenges which lie ahead."

Her departure comes amidst other significant exits that have the potential to impact the organization's future course. Among them are Tim Goss, the former technical director for single-seaters, and Steve Nielson, who served as sporting director. These departures, alongside Robyn’s, signify a notable shift in FIA’s leadership landscape.

In a statement released by FIA, the federation acknowledged Robyn’s instrumental role in its revitalization:

"Robyn had spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the federation’s operational structure, playing a pivotal role in modernizing the FIA, enhancing governance, and securing sustainable financial stability."

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem commended Robyn’s contributions, noting her historic role within the organization:

“Natalie’s appointment was notable as the first CEO in the history of the FIA. She has contributed greatly to a wide-ranging reorganization of our operational and management structure as well as our financial sustainability.”

Looking forward, the FIA faces the challenge of filling the void left by Robyn’s exit.