FIA First Female CEO Natalie Robyn to Depart After 18 Months in Role

Natalie Robyn the first female chief executive of Formula One governing body is departing after just 18 months in the role, announced the FIA on Wednesday. Her arrival was initially celebrated as a significant step towards equality and diversity within the organization especially given past controversies surrounding gender remarks made by FIA leader Mohammed Ben Sulayem.

Robyn decision to leave was described as mutual with her departure scheduled for the end of May. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead restructuring efforts but stated it was time to move on. Robyn’s exit marks the fourth senior departure from the FIA since December, amid ongoing legal action brought by Susie Wolff regarding a conflict of interest inquiry.

Additionally, tensions between Formula One and the FIA escalated last year over various issues including the potential expansion of F1 teams.