Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management has appointed Al Tareq Al Ameri as chief executive officer (CEO) of Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, a leading sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue.

The UAE national previously ran the commercial division at the Circuit and will now take forward the business as a whole.

Al Ameri was part of the team who have, in the last five years, developed Yas Marina Circuit into  not only one of the world’s most iconic motorsport venues, but also a dynamic community hub for thousands of residents of Abu Dhabi, as well as a venue for significant global gatherings, a statement said.

Located on Yas Island, Yas Marina Circuit welcomes an average of 25,000 people every month who take part in a range of activities, including go karting and track cycling nights to healthy lifestyle programs and special events.

Yas Marina Circuit chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: “With the success of the past five years as a catalyst, I look forward to Al Tareq leading the further growth of this business, which encompasses both meaningful social engagement and sustainable commercial outcomes.”

Al Ameri began the handover from departing CEO Richard Cregan at the start of the year. Cregan will retain an advisory role at Yas Marina Circuit reporting to the Board, and will now lead the F1 Russian Grand Prix.

Al Ameri, 34, said: “Since coming to Yas Marina Circuit to lead the commercial division I have been bitten by the motorsport bug – and that will always be our core business. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an iconic fixture on the F1 calendar and that alone is a truly fantastic achievement for everyone involved.

“The Grand Prix will always be the focus but we must keep driving forward what we do throughout the year – from exciting motorsport racing to bringing even more fantastic events to the circuit. In 2011 and 2013 we hosted the World Economic Forum which shows we are so much more than just a racetrack. That strategy will continue and we will be fighting for business in the market.”

Prior to taking the role as commercial director at Yas Marina Circuit in October 2012, Al Ameri’s career developed at Abu Dhabi Aviation.

“Yas Marina Circuit is truly passionate about motorsport – here in the UAE, in the region and globally. I understand that passion and I am also ready for the challenge and responsibility of developing all areas of the business,” Al Ameri added. – TradeArabia News Service