The FIA appoints two new leaders

The restructuring of the FIA continues. Luke Skipper, Director of Communication, and Jacob Bangsgaard, Secretary-General of Mobility, had announced their resignation from the governing body of world motorsport last week. This Thursday, the organization announced the strengthening of its management team with the arrivals of Alberto Villareal and Alessandra Malhamé, respectively as General Manager and Director of Human Resources.

These appointments mark an important step in the evolution of the FIA, which puts more emphasis on strong governance and financial performance, while focusing more on staff strategies and culture to ensure sustainable success, as stated in the press release.

Two important roles within the FIA.

Attached to President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, Alberto Villareal will oversee the operational and financial performance of the organization, bring his leadership to the FIA administration, ensure alignment with the strategic objectives of the FIA, and prioritize the interests of FIA members in decision-making. The Spaniard spent two decades in senior management at Goodyear.

Regarding Alessandra Malhamé, she will be in charge of the strategic management of human resources at the FIA. The press release highlights that her expertise in talent organization and development, creating a culture, and fostering engagement will be crucial. The Italian, who previously worked at Honeywell, had been with Bristol Myers Squibb for three years.

Mohammed Ben Sulayem believes that, thanks to Alberto’s vast leadership experience, he will ensure the sustainability of our financial performance, governance, and operations. While Alessandra Malhamé brings great expertise in human resources to the federation. I am convinced that she will oversee the development of our most precious asset: our staff, according to the president.

The influence of Mohammed Ben Sulayem

Appointed to lead the institution in December 2021, the former Emirati driver continues to shape it in his own way. The FIA report mentions a significant transformation since he took office. However, his governance style is not always accepted by the members of the organization, which has experienced numerous departures in recent months.

Besides the resignations of Luke Skipper and Jacob Bangsgaard, the FIA had also lost its sports director, Steve Nielsen, and its single-seater technical director, Tim Goss. These additions were already part of a list composed of Pierre Ketterer, Edward Floydd, and Natalie Robyn, respectively director of governance and regulation, head of legal and commercial affairs, and the first CEO of the FIA.

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