FIA Management Restructure Leads to Departure of Sara Mariani
The FIA has announced the departure of Sara Mariani, the director of Sustainability, Diversity, and Inclusion (D&I), following a strategic management overhaul. Mariani’s exit, effective June 20, 2025, comes as the FIA separates the sustainability and D&I functions into two distinct divisions.
In her farewell message, Mariani expressed appreciation for her team and the work accomplished over the past 18 months, stating, "It is, sadly, time to say goodbye… I did not expect it would end so abruptly but life goes on." She emphasized the necessity of environments where women in leadership can thrive.
The FIA has appointed Willem Groenewald to oversee the sustainability program, while Alessandra Malhame will now direct D&I efforts, a move aimed at streamlining internal and external initiatives in this area. The restructuring follows a broader trend of leadership changes within the organization, including the resignation of deputy president Robert Reid in April, and other significant exits from the compliance and stewarding teams.
Alessandra Malhame reaffirmed the FIA’s commitment to supporting women in the industry. "We are proud that 32% of our workforce are women," she stated, highlighting the organization’s ongoing efforts to enhance gender representation in senior roles.
This management shake-up reflects the FIA’s evolving focus on governance and structural integrity as it navigates the contemporary landscape of motorsport.
