FIA’s former CEO, Natalie Robyn, sheds light on internal issues within the organization.
- Robyn’s departure from FIA hints at unresolved governance problems.
- Numerous resignations have raised questions about FIA’s leadership under Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
- Robyn advocates for professional processes and stakeholder inclusion in FIA.
- Reid’s and other personnel’s exits highlight FIA’s structural challenges.
Natalie Robyn, ex-CEO of the FIA, has opened up about the internal issues plaguing the organization. Her departure, initially described as ‘mutual,’ was in fact a forced resignation following disagreements with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Robyn’s revelations have come amid a spate of resignations, including that of Robert Reid, former FIA deputy president of sport, prompting scrutiny of FIA’s leadership.
Robyn joined FIA as CEO in May 2024 and left after 18 months, citing a difficult working environment. She attempted to bolster governance and transparency. Robyn stated, ‘During my tenure, I worked under challenging circumstances to strengthen the federation’s governance framework and upgrade its operational transparency.’ She noted that Reid’s resignation underscored ongoing structural challenges within the federation.
Robyn expressed that ignoring proper processes and excluding stakeholders from decisions weakens an organization’s foundation. She lamented, ‘I am saddened to see these developments, as they threaten both the credibility and the long-term effectiveness of an important institution.’ Robyn has called for a return to professional protocols and better inclusion of all stakeholders in FIA’s decision-making process.
Reid, who left FIA citing principles over politics, is one of several key figures to exit under Ben Sulayem’s presidency, which began in December 2021. Robyn shared that during her time, she found Reid to be a respected figure committed to motorsport’s future. Her departure followed concerns she raised about organizational governance and financial practices.
Other notable exits include former F1 race director Niels Wittich, steward Tim Mayer, and others who have recounted harsh dismissal experiences, painting a challenging picture of FIA’s management environment. Tim Mayer highlighted his disappointment at being fired by text after years of service. This paints a concerning portrait of management changes under current leadership.
Robyn’s disclosures and the wave of resignations cast a harsh spotlight on FIA’s internal management challenges.
