Natalie Robyn’s departure as the Chief Executive Officer of the FIA, motorsport’s governing body, has stirred the motorsport community after just 18 months in her role. The FIA confirmed in a statement that Robyn’s exit was by mutual agreement to pursue opportunities beyond the organization.
Robyn’s departure marks the fourth senior executive to leave the FIA since December, following the resignations of sporting director Steve Nielsen, single-seater technical director Tim Goss, and head of the commission for women, Deborah Mayer. This series of exits comes amidst controversies surrounding FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
In March, the FIA’s ethics committee cleared Ben Sulayem of accusations regarding his involvement in races in Saudi Arabia and Las Vegas last season. However, the federation is facing legal action from Susie Wolff, director of the F1 Academy and wife of Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff.
Robyn expressed gratitude for her time at the FIA, stating, “Performing in the role of CEO at the FIA has been an enormous privilege.” She highlighted her contributions to restructuring and reform within the organization, emphasizing its readiness for future challenges.
According to the FIA statement, Robyn led a comprehensive overhaul of the federation’s operational structure, focusing on modernization, governance enhancement, and financial stability. Her background as a former car industry executive for Volvo, Nissan, and DaimlerChrysler brought valuable experience to her role at the FIA.
Robyn’s recruitment in late 2022 was hailed by Ben Sulayem as a transformative moment for the federation. Reflecting on her departure, Ben Sulayem praised Robyn’s contributions to reorganizing operational and management structures, as well as ensuring financial sustainability.
As Natalie Robyn steps away from her role, the FIA faces a period of transition, with the search for her successor already underway. Her legacy includes significant reforms and restructuring efforts aimed at positioning the FIA for future success amidst the dynamic landscape of motorsport.
