Two high-ranking FIA officials, Luke Skipper and Jacob Bangsgaard, have resigned to pursue other interests. Their exits raise questions about the FIA’s leadership under president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, particularly following a series of recent departures within the organisation, highlighting ongoing structural instability.
The FIA has witnessed the resignations of two senior officials: Luke Skipper, the director of communications, and Jacob Bangsgaard, the secretary general of mobility. Both departed to explore new opportunities amidst controversies surrounding FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who has faced criticism for his leadership style. He previously chastised drivers for profanity and recently expressed dissatisfaction with the British media’s portrayal of him. Skipper, who joined in 2022, previously held the role of director of public affairs at Weber Shandwick, and Bangsgaard, appointed in 2023, was instrumental in mobility policy as the founder of European Policy Research. Their exits follow a series of other departures from the FIA, including sporting director Steve Nielsen and first CEO Natalie Robyn, highlighting ongoing instability within the organisation.
The FIA, responsible for the governance of motorsport worldwide, has been facing significant leadership challenges. The recent resignations of key figures come as the organisation under the presidency of Mohammed Ben Sulayem has been scrutinised for its handling of communication and media relations. With past high-profile resignations over the last year, there are growing concerns about the structural integrity and effectiveness of the FIA amid these shifts. This context is essential to understand the implications of these departures on the organisation’s future and continuity in leadership roles, especially in communications and mobility.
The resignations of Skipper and Bangsgaard amplify the concerns regarding the FIA’s internal stability, particularly under the presidency of Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Their departures mark a continuation of a troubling trend within the organisation, necessitating a closer look at the challenges facing the FIA leadership during a tumultuous period. As they seek new directions, the impact of these changes will be significant for the FIA’s public image and operations going forward.
Original Source: www.autosport.com