Written by Vyas Ponnuri, Edited By Hugh Waring
Formula E CEO Jamie Reigle is set to step down from his role as CEO of Formula E, at the conclusion of the ongoing season of Formula E.
Reigle (L) on appointment as Formula E CEO; Image credits - FIA Formula E
Reigle steps down after three-and-a-half years at the helm of affairs of Formula E. He replaced Alejendro Agag, founder of the series, in 2019. The Spanish supremo stepped down to become the chairman of the series, while Reigle became the CEO of the series.
Prior to his appointment as CEO of the electric racing series, Reigle had served in executive positions at the famous football club Manchester United, in the Premier League, and at Los Angeles Rams in the NFL. Reigle had a proven track record at both franchises, helping grow the Manchester United franchise to newer territories, and driving business operations forward at the Los Angeles Rams during his tenure at the franchise.
During his time as CEO of Formula E, Reigle played a crucial role in ensuring the growth of the all-electric racing series. His leadership ensured the continuity of the series during the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, with six back-to-back races at the Tempelhof Street Circuit to conclude the 2019-20 season, and at a time when German bigwigs BMW, Audi, and Mercedes all left the series in the span of two seasons.
The growth of the series is clearly visible today, as Formula E saw three new teams join the fray as the series headed into a new dawn, with the Gen3 era kicking off Season Nine in 2023. McLaren, Maserati, as well as German motorsports outfit ABT Cupra joined the series, following the departure of Mercedes EQ after Season eight.
In addition to the new teams joining the series, Formula E has expanded to various new locations and street circuits under Reigle’s lead. An indoor-outdoor circuit at the ExCel Center in London; the first-ever E Prix in Seoul, South Korea; the city of Puebla, Mexico hosting a double-header in 2021; and a first-ever race at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia, are some notable additions to the Formula E calendar from the past two seasons.
And for Season nine of Formula E, the calendar has grown to 16 races, one of the longest in the history of the series. The Gen3 era saw the series expand into India, Brazil, and South Africa, with the likes of Hyderabad, São Paulo, and Cape Town hosting races. The Portland E-Prix is also scheduled to take place in June, at the Portland International Raceway.
Image credits - FIA Formula E
Thus, it is fair to say Reigle has overseen the rise of Formula E to greater heights, and the current position of the series is largely due to his leadership.
He announced the decision to step down as CEO on Tuesday morning, later confirming he would “remain as advisor till the end of the year”. He would continue to assist the soon-to-be CEO in the coming months. Reigle’s successor will be announced in due course.
Reigle quoted in an internal message, saying:
"When I was offered the opportunity to lead Formula E, one of my mentors said that my primary objective should be to leave the company in a better place than when I started.
"Simple advice, but a high bar given the success Formula E had achieved in the first five seasons.
"Our fans, teams, partners, shareholders, board and to me most importantly you, our employees, will be the ultimate judge of how I fared. But I believe I can confidently say Formula E is now on firm footing and poised to capture our immense opportunity. This fills me with enormous pride.
"I look back on the last four years and marvel at what we have achieved together.
"In the face of unprecedented challenges, we redefined our sport, launched a progressive brand, attracted iconic teams, opened incredible cities and welcomed new partners.
"This year we are delivering record race attendances and audiences across broadcast and digital, powered by incredible racing unlocked by the groundbreaking Gen3 car."