The FIA has announced that CEO Natalie Robyn will become the latest individual to depart the organisation as she plans to take up “opportunities outside of the FIA”. This story was powered by Motorsport Week – for more reports from the world of motorsport, click here.
Robyn has fulfilled her position since November 2022 when she was named as the first CEO of the FIA as part of the bid to restructure the governing body’s structure. But Robyn, who retains extensive experience in the automotive industry with Volvo, Nissan and DaimlerChrysler, has decided to resign from her role after 18 months.
“Performing in the role of CEO at the FIA has been an enormous privilege, and I am grateful to have directed a programme of restructuring and reform,” Robyn said. “Now is the time to step away in the knowledge that the organisation is better placed for the challenges which lie ahead. I take great pride in my role in advancing the FIA’s transformation across both Sport and Mobility, and I am pleased to leave an organization comprised of a wonderful team of talented and dedicated individuals.”
She will be the fourth notable departure from the FIA in recent times, with Sporting Director Steve Nielsen and Technical Director Tim Goss stepping aside last term. Those exits came after Deborah Maier elected not to have her contract extended as the Head of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission Chief at the end of 2023.
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem added: “Natalie’s appointment was notable as the first CEO in the history of the FIA. She has contributed greatly to a wide-ranging re-organisation of our operational and management structure as well as our financial sustainability. On behalf of the FIA, I wish her well in her future endeavours.”
The FIA has replaced two of those names, however, with ex-Alfa Romeo Technical Director Jan Monchaux taking over the responsibilities that Goss had undertaken.
Meanwhile, Tim Malyon, who had been on board as the FIA’s Safety Director, was repositioned to take over the Sporting Director position that Nielsen had vacated.
