Natalie Robyn, who became the first chief executive (CEO) of motorsport’s FIA governing body in September 2022, will leave her role at the end of May.
This comes with the France-based FIA, and especially its senior leadership - in particular, president Mohamed Ben Sulayem - currently battling through a series of controversies.
In a statement made yesterday (May 8), the FIA said Robyn has departed “by mutual agreement to pursue opportunities outside of the FIA.”
In the same statement, she was quoted as saying: “Performing in the role of CEO at the FIA 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.”
Ben Sulayem also commented: “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.”
The FIA president is currently embroiled in a lawsuit brought by Suzie Wolff, director of the F1 Academy series attached to the iconic Formula 1 competition, after she was the subject of a conflict of interest inquiry (which eventually cleared her) in 2023.
In addition, he was accused (and subsequently cleared by an investigation) of attempting to interfere with the result of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in 2023.
Since December, the FIA’s sporting director, single-seater technical director, and the head of its commission for women, have all also left their jobs.
The relationship between the FIA and F1, owned by Liberty Media, was badly affected by several incidents and issues throughout 2023.
Robyn joined from Swedish carmaker Volvo where she spent nearly eight years, initially as vice president for international markets and importers and subsequently as chief executive and managing director of Volvo Car Switzerland.
Before her time at Volvo, Robyn worked at Nissan International, Daimler Chrysler, Delphi, and Banc of America Securities.
At the FIA, she was tasked with - among other objectives - developing new commercial growth plans to increase and diversify revenue streams, ensuring financial stability, and providing more resources for FIA members.
