Australian GP CEO Andrew Westacott to vacate his position following the 2023 F1 race at Albert Park
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Andrew Westacott steps down as CEO of Australian Grand Prix Corporation
Andrew Westacott has been a part of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) since 2006, being promoted to the role of Chief Executive Officer in 2011. In this long stint, Westacott had worked successfully in bringing new fans to the event held annually at Albert Park in the city of Melbourne. Now Westacott’s 16-year-long journey will come to an end as he will step down from the top job after the 2023 Australian Grand Prix
The AGPC announced that Andrew will not seek another term as the CEO after the end of the current contract on June 30. Andrew Westacott expressed his gratitude for being able to lead the Australian GP corporation and acknowledged the time spent with various people involved, Andrew said, “It’s been a source of immense pride to be able to work for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation for so many years and to work so closely with the wonderful AGPC team and all those involved in our major events industry, including those at Formula 1 and MotoGP.”
Westacott will depart as the CEO with the longest term served at the AGPC, under which the Australian organized 15 F1 races and 15 MotoGP races down under. The outgoing CEO stated his pride in hosting these events and said, “Thirty events, a few cancellations along the way, and record-breaking crowds in 2022 have all provided special moments.” While also acknowledging the difficult times, especially during the pandemic and the cancellation of the 2020 Australian GP at the last moment.
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Andrew Westacott secured Australian GP’s place on the F1 calendar till at least 2037
“The contrasting years between the start of COVID in 2020 and the way in which we opened Melbourne to the sporting world in 2022 both produced massive memories that I’ll remember forever,” said Andrew Westacott as he ends a successful chapter in his career and looks forward towards a new challenge in the future. Andrew had managed to extend the contract for the Australian GP till 2035 before securing another extension, confirming the event’s place on the F1 calendar till at least 2037.
Chairman of the AGPC, Paul Little remarked on Westacott’s departure and how the whole event was improved by Andrew over the years, stating, “Andrew has led AGPC through a transformative period and is to be commended on his outstanding contribution to motorsport and tourism in Victoria.” Paul hoped for Andrew Westacott to achieve more success in the future, Little stated, “He leaves AGPC positioned for continued global success and I wish him all the very best in his future endeavors”
Steve Dimopoulos, the Minister for Tourism, Sport, and Major Events for the state of Victoria thanked Westacott for his efforts in his tenure at the AGPC and the benefits brought by the events to the state. Steve said, “On behalf of the Victorian Government, I congratulate Andrew on leading AGPC and their two international events, both of which have brought considerable value to Victoria for decades. I wish Andrew all the very best for the future.”
The exit of Andrew Westacott is a major blow for the Australian Grand Prix Corporation, with Andrew leaving some big shoes to fill. The AGPC will be announcing its replacement shortly, however, this could be a major point in the event’s history as the new CEO will be tasked to work on the efforts of Westacott and to maintain the popularity of two races held at Albert Park. Andrew would be looking for a solid 2023 Grand Prix in Melbourne as his final race as the CEO of the AGPC.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)