Robyn, a highly experienced executive in the motorsport industry, was welcomed by the FIA as a significant addition to their team. Her background in the auto industry was seen as a game-changing moment for an organization led by President Mohammed Ben Sulayem. Ben Sulayem, in an effort to promote equality and diversity, had emphasized Robyn’s appointment following a controversy surrounding his previous remarks about women who believe they are intellectually superior to men.
The FIA announced that Robyn had chosen to explore other opportunities and would be leaving by mutual agreement at the end of May. In her statement, she expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving as the CEO and acknowledged the progress made through a restructuring and reform program under her direction. She believed that the organization was now better prepared to face future challenges and felt it was the right time to step away.
Robyn’s departure marks the fourth senior employee to leave the FIA since December. The previous departures include Sporting Director Steve Nielsen, Single-Seater Technical Director Tim Goss, and Women’s Commission Head Deborah Mayer.
Currently, the FIA is facing legal action from Susie Wolff, the director of the all-female F1 Academy support series and wife of Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff. This legal action stems from a conflict of interest investigation conducted last year.
The relationship between Liberty Media-owned Formula 1 and the FIA experienced a decline last year, as the two entities clashed over various matters, including the potential expansion to 11 teams. (Reported by Alan Baldwin)