Andrew Wheatley has left his position as FIA road sport director and will be replaced by his deputy Emelia Abel.
Wheatley took over the FIA’s off-road department in March 2022, having previously served as the governing body’s WRC category manager from 2019.
However, the FIA announced on Thursday that the Briton had left his post, with Abel coming in as junior road sport director.
She will be mentored by Dieter Rencken, who moves across Formula 1, with both reporting to FIA general manager Alberto Villarreal.
Wheatley said: “It has been a privilege and an education to work as part of the FIA team and witness the hard work and dedication of not only my colleagues, but the innovation, ingenuity and bravery of the competitors and the incredible commitment of the promoters.
“I also want to pay tribute to the event organizers and the hundreds of thousands of volunteers who work so tirelessly to support events, manage challenges and make the sport accessible to fans around the world, week in, week out.
“I am confident that the work being done now in the rally and off-road environments will create a very strong foundation for the future and we have every reason to be positive moving forward.”
The FIA’s communication offered no explanation for this latest change of personnel.
Wheatley is the latest in a long line of FIA employees to leave in recent weeks, but the first key exit on the rallying side.
FIA general manager, Villareal, said: “I am delighted that Emilia will take on the role of junior road sport director. We are at a pivotal time in the development of our sport and with Emilia’s vast experience in rallying and off-road competition, she will be a tremendous asset as we build towards a brighter future.
“She will have my full support to reach the objectives we have set for the FIA World Rally Championship in particular.”
Abel added: “I am very excited to step into the role of FIA Junior Road Sport Director at a time when our sport is poised for growth and transformation. This is a unique opportunity to enhance the pinnacle of competition while broadening its appeal through grassroots initiatives.
“Rallying and off-road racing have always been at the heart of my passion for motor sport, and I look forward to working with the FIA team and our partners to bring forward innovative, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that will define the future of our sport.”
