Two FIA senior staff appointments have been confirmed as the governing body aims to boost its leadership amid recent departures.
In a major move to bolster its leadership team, the FIA has announced the appointments of Alberto Villarreal as General Manager and Alessandra Malhamé as Senior Human Resources Director.
These appointments come in the wake of several high-profile departures within the organization, signaling a strategic effort to enhance governance and operational efficiency at a critical juncture for the Formula 1 governing body.
Alberto Villarreal, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the automotive sector, will take on the role of General Manager. His impressive background includes senior positions at Goodyear, where he honed his skills in operational management and strategic planning.
Villarreal’s appointment is particularly noteworthy as he will report directly to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Senate President Carmelo Sanz de Barros.
In his new role, Villarreal will be tasked with overseeing the FIA’s operational and financial performance, a responsibility he approaches with enthusiasm.
“It is an honour to join the FIA at such a pivotal time,” Villarreal stated. “I look forward to working with Members, the President, the leadership team, and all staff to achieve our shared goals of reform and growth.”
Joining him as part of the new FIA senior staff appointments is Alessandra Malhamé, who has been handed the role of Senior HR Director.
Malhamé brings a wealth of experience from her previous role at Honeywell, where she was instrumental in leading human resources initiatives aimed at fostering workplace innovation and inclusivity. Her focus at the FIA will be on boosting HR operations and developing strategies that empower employees.
“The strength of any thriving organisation lies in its people,” Malhamé said. “My focus at the FIA will be on fostering a culture of inclusivity and innovation, simplifying processes, and empowering employees to achieve our shared goals.”
FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem welcomed both Villarreal and Malhamé into their new roles with optimism about their potential contributions.
“I am delighted to welcome Alberto and Alessandra to the team,” he remarked. “With Alberto’s vast leadership experience, I am confident he will drive sustainability in our financial performance, governance and operations while delivering value for our Members.”
He further added that Malhamé’s expertise would be crucial in ensuring the development of what he termed “the most precious commodity – our people.”
The timing of the fresh FIA senior staff appointments is particularly critical as Formula 1 enters a phase marked by increasing complexity in governance and regulation.
With ongoing discussions about potential changes to rules and regulations within F1, having experienced leaders at the helm of the FIA could prove vital for navigating these challenges effectively
However, these appointments come on the heels of notable departures that have raised questions about stability within the FIA.
Recently, Luke Skipper, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs, along with Jacob Bangsgaard, Secretary General of Automobile Mobility and Tourism, confirmed their exits from the organization.
Earlier this year, other key figures such as Deborah Mayer, former head of the FIA Women in Motorsport Commission; Steve Nielsen, sporting director; Tim Goss, single-seater technical director; Edward Floydd, head of commercial legal affairs; Pierre Ketterer, governance and regulatory director; and Natalie Robyn, the FIA’s first CEO also left their positions to pursue new opportunities.
