WEC CEO Gerard Neveu to step down from position at end of 2020

Gerard Neveu will step down from his position of CEO of the Le Mans Management (LMEM) and head of the FIA World Endurance Championship at the end of the year.

The 55-year-old Frenchman has confirmed he will move away from his position on 31 December to pursue other opportunities.

Having previously been in charge of running the Paul Ricard circuit, Neveu moved into the CEO role in 2011 and oversaw the rebirth of the WEC in 2012.

Neveu said: "After nine years at the head of this superb motorsport programme, I think it is time for me to hand over the baton and allow new life to be breathed into the organisation under the leadership of Pierre Fillon.

"Great pages in endurance racing's history books will open in a few months, in particular with the arrival of LM Hypercar and LMDh, and I have no doubt about the successes to come.

"Until then, I will do my best to finish the 2020 season in the best way possible and then it will be time for me to set off on a different personal path in 2021.

“The mission entrusted to me by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has been intense and exciting and it has been with great pride that I have led these championships under the aegis of the ACO and the FIA,” he continued.

“For their trust, I would like to thank all the WEC and ELMS competitors, the partners, the suppliers, the media who have followed us, local promoters and all the circuits that have welcomed us around the world.

“My very special thoughts are for the wonderful LMEM team that I have had the privilege and immense pleasure of leading during this entire period. It will remain a superb human adventure and a unique experience that cannot be erased.”

Reflecting on Neveu’s departure, Pierre Fillon, president of the ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest), added: "The ACO and WEC has progressed together, and we have fought many battles to establish our championship within the world of motor racing.

"Creating such a world championship is not an easy task, and making it shine in the world even less so

"For all these professional and human adventures we have experienced together, I sincerely thank Gerard."

A replacement for Neveu is expected to be announced in due course.