Neveu to Step Down as CEO at End of Year

Photo: WEC

Gerard Neveu will step down as the CEO of Le Mans Endurance Management, organizers of the FIA World Endurance Championship and European Le Mans Series, at the end of the year in order to “pursue new challenges” in his professional career, it was announced on Wednesday.

Information on the new management will be communicated at a later date.

Neveu has been at the helm of the WEC since its inception in 2012, having spearheaded the world championship’s launch alongside then-ACO President Jean-Claude Plassart.

Since then he has presided over more than 100 international sports car racing events, between the European and world championships.

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

“Great pages in endurance racing’s history books will open in a few months, in particular with the arrival of LMH and LMDh, and I have no doubt about the successes to come for these championships under the ACO umbrella.

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

Neveu said the mission, entrusted in him by the ACO, has been “intense and exciting” over the last decade.

“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,” he said.

“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.”

ACO President Pierre Fillon said Neveu was one of the “fundamental building blocks” of the WEC.

“He was not only part of the foundation of this championship from the very beginning, but he was also the originator of this FIA World Endurance Championship organization,” said Fillon.

“Alongside the team from the ACO, they make this championship happen for all our competitors.

“The ACO and WEC has progressed together, and we have fought many battles to establish our championship within the world of motor racing. The victories have therefore been greater and above all more significant and more fruitful. 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. I particularly salute his commitment, his involvement and his extraordinary energy. From here on I wish him the best in his future professional activities.

“From a personal point of view he will remain a member of our endurance family and, whatever his activities are, there is little doubt that future joint collaborations will emerge.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John