FIA announces new Director of Communications and Public Affairs

The FIA has appointed Luke Skipper to the newly created role of director of communications and public affairs.

Joining the Federation this autumn (effective from 7 October), Canadian-born Luke is a senior communications and public affairs practitioner who brings 17 years of experience to the FIA’s growing international team.

Previous high-profile roles include director of public affairs for global communications leader Weber Shandwick, where he developed a large portfolio of major international clients. He also served as the Scottish National Party’s chief of staff at the UK Parliament advising their MPs and playing a central role in achieving the party’s biggest ever election result. Prior to that he worked in the European and Scottish Parliaments.

Tasked with delivering a new, proactive communications and public affairs strategy, Luke will work closely with the Federation’s leadership to ensure the FIA is the global voice of mobility and motor sport. He will lead an expanding team to drive inclusive growth through social media and digital engagement, as well as enhancing the FIA’s lobbying capability.

Commenting on the appointment, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem said:
“This is a pivotal moment for the FIA as we bring our public affairs and communications functions together. Luke will be joining our team in this newly created role where he will help deliver our ambitious manifesto of growth and reform. His insight and experience will be a valued asset to our members and the Federation.”

Luke Skipper said:
“I am thrilled to be joining the FIA at such an exciting time for motor sport and mobility. I am looking forward to working with the President, Clubs, and all stakeholders to deliver a communications and public affairs strategy that drives the Federation forward in an inclusive and sustainable way.”

Notes to Editors:
Luke Skipper joins the team after seven years with Weber Shandwick, currently the world’s second largest communications agency. Working most recently as a Director (SVP), he has advised a wide variety of large companies, helping them develop their communication strategies, lobbying capability and stakeholder engagement efforts with a particular focus on ESG.

Previously he worked for the Scottish National Party in the Scottish Parliament, the European Parliament and finally as the Chief of Staff for the party at the House of Commons in London for eight years.