Andrew Wheatley has been named as the new FIA rally director, replacing Yves Matton who left the role in December.
Wheatley, a former business development manager at M-Sport, joined the FIA in 2019 as WRC category manager.
He now replaces the man that hired him, Matton, as the rally director under a new regime headed by Mohammed Ben Sulayem and Robert Reid.
Speaking about his appointment, Wheatley said: “We have ushered in a great deal of technological change in the past 12 months across the rally spectrum including the introduction of hybrid powertrains and fossil-free fuels at the highest levels.
“Our task going forward is to consolidate this and then bring that same level of focus to strengthen the base of the rally pyramid to ensure that we safeguard the future of the sport.
“The future of automotive technology is evolving so quickly we must ensure we keep pace with that change for the benefit of all of stakeholders, engage member clubs through a regional focus and help to develop the stars of tomorrow.”
