FIA’s first female chief executive resigns after just 18 months
The CEO of F1’s governing body, Natalie Robyn, has left to ‘pursue opportunities outside of the FIA’
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.FIA chief executive Natalie Robyn is leaving the organisation after serving just 18 months.
Robyn was one of the most senior female executives in motorsport and her arrival from the auto industry was hailed by the FIA as a "transformative moment" for F1’s governing body, led by president Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
Ben Sulayem had also highlighted Robyn’s appointment as proof of his commitment to equality and diversity after a controversy over remarks he had once made about women "who think they are smarter than men".
The FIA on Wednesday said Robyn had decided to pursue opportunities elsewhere and was leaving by mutual agreement at the end of May.
"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," she was quoted as saying.
"Now is the time to step away in the knowledge that the organisation is better placed for the challenges which lie ahead."
Robyn is the fourth senior employee to depart the FIA since December.
Sporting director Steve Nielsen, single-seater technical director Tim Goss and women’s commission head Deborah Mayer have all left.
The FIA is facing legal action brought by Susie Wolff, the director of the all-female F1 Academy support series and wife of Mercedes team boss Toto, after a conflict of interest enquiry last year.
The relationship between Liberty Media-owned Formula One and the FIA deteriorated last year, with the two sides at loggerheads over a number of issues including a possible expansion to 11 teams.
While the FIA accepted Andretti’s bid to join the grid, F1 rejected the American team’s proposition in January.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments