MSA appoints Taylor MD of International Motor Sports

The Motor Sports Association (MSA) has appointed Ben Taylor as the Managing Director of International Motor Sports Ltd (IMS).

Taylor's appointment follows the departure of former Chief Executive Andrew Coe last week, and he will now lead the sporting organisation of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone as well as the promotion of Wales Rally GB. He was previously the MSA Development and Communications Director and will continue to be responsible for activities including the MSA Academy young driver programme and the Go Motorsport club development scheme.

Taylor - who began working in motor sport for the Tyrrell F1 team in 1997 and also worked for Honda and the BTCC - said he was most excited about developing Wales Rally GB even further in his new role.

"I am thrilled to have been given this exciting opportunity to extend the MSA's development work into a fuller commercial brief," Taylor said. "In particular, I look forward to working with the IMS team and everyone involved in the organisation of Wales Rally GB to build on the great platform of last year's event.

"We have a fantastic long-term partner in the Welsh Government, whose commitment last year made such an impact on the success of the rally. We look forward to working with them to integrate the rally further into the fabric of the country and demonstrate the extraordinarily positive impact that motor sport events can have on a region."

Chairman of the MSA and IMS Alan Gow said he was confident about the future of IMS under Taylor.

"This restructuring is important for the MSA's strategic development," Gow said. "We recognised the need to put the growth and development of the sport at the heart of the governing body's activities, whilst also integrating many of the programmes and commercial opportunities.

"Ben has done an excellent job heading up the MSA's development activity, creating a new department and establishing dynamic programmes that evolve year on year. He has a wealth of experience, not just from within motor sport, and this promotion is a natural extension of his current role. I am certain that he will lead IMS with real vigour and continue to serve the sport with great success."