MotoGP Announced Four Executive Appointments
The racing series has named a new leadership team to accelerate its international commercial and strategic growth.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in People
MotoGP has expanded its executive leadership team by appointing four new senior officials to drive global growth and fan engagement. The series aims to use this restructuring to reach new audiences and deepen connections with its international fanbase.
Why it matters
The appointments are part of a broader organizational push to capitalize on global expansion opportunities and enhance the commercial viability of the sport. By bringing in talent from major sporting properties, the organization aims to refine its strategy and increase its market reach.
The new appointments include Ryan Norys, Sameer Pabari, Louise Young, and Denitza Batchvarova, who join an existing leadership team alongside CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta. These additions follow several organizational shifts earlier in 2026, including the promotion of Carlos Ezpeleta to Deputy CEO and the hiring of Vince Russell as CFO.
The players
Carmelo Ezpeleta
He serves as the CEO of MotoGP and is overseeing the ongoing organizational restructuring.
Louise Young
She joins as Chief Operating Officer and brings eight years of prior experience working for Formula 1.
Denitza Batchvarova
She serves as Chief Strategy Officer and previously held positions at UFC and TKO Group Holdings.
Ryan Norys
He joins as Chief Commercial Officer after previously working for the English football club Tottenham Hotspur.
Carlos Ezpeleta
He was promoted to the position of Deputy CEO in August 2026.
The details
The new executive team includes Ryan Norys as Chief Commercial Officer, Sameer Pabari as Chief Media Officer, Louise Young as Chief Operating Officer, and Denitza Batchvarova as Chief Strategy Officer. These leaders bring extensive experience from organizations including Formula 1, UFC, and Tottenham Hotspur to help shape the future trajectory of the racing series.
Timeline
May 2026: Vince Russell was hired as Chief Financial Officer.
August 2026: Carlos Ezpeleta was promoted to the role of Deputy CEO.
September 23, 2026: MotoGP officially announced the four new executive appointments.
Market Landscape
The recruitment of executives from established leagues like Formula 1 and UFC signals an industry-wide trend toward professionalizing racing management through cross-sector talent acquisition. This move intensifies the competition for market share within the global sports media and events space.
Fans should expect a renewed focus on global fan engagement, which may result in new commercial partnerships and expanded media access to the sport. These changes are intended to streamline operations and create a more robust viewing experience for international audiences.
The takeaway
The addition of seasoned executives from competing global sports franchises underscores a shift toward modernized, media-driven management strategies in international motorsport. This leadership transition aims to stabilize long-term commercial growth while increasing the sport's global accessibility.
Further reading
For more information on the individuals shaping the industry, visit the People section.
