Liberty Media announce personnel change in major role

Liberty Media, who own the commercial rights for F1, has announced a change to the chairman of the board.

John C. Malone, will step down from the board of directors, effective from January 1, 2026.

Malone, who founded the company in the early 1990s, will transition to the role of Chairman Emeritus of Liberty Media.

Taking over his duties will be Robert Bennett, who steps up from his vice chairman position.

“Founding Liberty Media and serving as its Chairman has been among the most rewarding experiences of my professional life,” said Malone. 

“With the successful simplification of our portfolio in recent years and our operating businesses in positions of strength, I believe it is an appropriate time to step back from certain of my obligations, and I am very pleased to have Dob Bennett, my partner and colleague of 35 years, stepping into the chairman role. 

“Dob has been involved in all key decisions throughout Liberty Media’s history, and I am confident that Liberty is well-positioned for the future. I look forward to remaining actively engaged as a large Liberty shareholder and a strategic advisor to our management and board.”

Bennett has been vice chairman of the board since January 1, 2025, a director of Liberty Media since 1994 and a member of its executive committee for over 15 years.

“I want to thank John for more than three decades of partnership and mentorship,” Bennett said. 

“His legacy as a visionary business leader is without parallel and I am deeply grateful for his confidence. 

“I speak for the entire board in thanking John for his extraordinary leadership as our chairman and for his continuing engagement as chairman emeritus.”