MotoGP Group has announced a key strengthening of its senior leadership team, confirming the appointment of Carlos Ezpeleta to the newly created position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer. The move is designed to support the championship’s continued global expansion and steer the sport into its next major era, with Carlos Ezpeleta working alongside long-standing CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta to drive strategic development and commercial growth.
A Decade of Service and Achievement
The appointment recognises more than ten years of vital contributions Carlos Ezpeleta has already made to the growth and evolution of the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship. Over that period, he has been central to expanding MotoGP’s international reach, brokering and strengthening high-value strategic partnerships, refining and broadening the championship’s commercial portfolio, and growing its massive global fanbase across traditional and digital platforms.
His experience spans both the commercial and sporting operations of the championship — a dual perspective that has proved invaluable in shaping the modern era of MotoGP. He has played an instrumental role in advancing rider safety standards, tightening sporting regulations to create closer and more unpredictable racing, and enhancing the spectacle that draws millions of viewers to each Grand Prix weekend. His promotion to Deputy CEO is seen as a natural progression, acknowledging his breadth of understanding and influence across every area of the business.
Continuity and Progress: Leadership Structure Confirmed
Crucially, the announcement confirms that Carmelo Ezpeleta will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer, providing proven stability and leadership at the very top of the organisation. Working in tandem with him, Carlos Ezpeleta will assume the Deputy CEO position, bringing fresh impetus and additional capacity to the executive team as Liberty Media and MotoGP Group prepare to accelerate the championship’s development.
The restructuring forms part of a wider commitment to strengthen the leadership framework ahead of what is expected to be a transformative period for the sport. Further appointments to the expanded senior team are expected to be announced in due course, as the organisation positions itself to capitalise on new markets, emerging technologies, and shifting viewer habits.
Leadership Reactions
Speaking on the appointment, Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP Group, said:
“Carlos has played a fundamental role in the growth of MotoGP over many years. His experience spans every part of our business, and his leadership, vision and passion for the sport make him the right person to help guide MotoGP into its next chapter. Working together, we can build on the strong foundations that have been laid and take the championship to new heights.”
Derek Chang, CEO of Liberty Media, the championship’s majority owner, welcomed the appointment as a key step in unlocking the sport’s potential:
“MotoGP has built a strong global foundation, and we see an enormous opportunity to take the sport to the next level. Carlos has the experience, vision and deep understanding of MotoGP to help lead that transformation, and we are excited to support him as he takes on this new position. He knows what makes this championship great, and he knows where the opportunities lie to grow further — that is a rare and powerful combination.”
Responding to his appointment, Carlos Ezpeleta, Deputy CEO of MotoGP Group, commented:
“It is a great honour to take on this role at such an exciting moment for MotoGP. With incredible fans and partners around the world, I look forward to working with Liberty Media and the entire MotoGP community to reach new audiences, create new opportunities and unlock the sport’s full potential. We have so much to build on, and I am eager to play my part in writing the next chapter of this extraordinary championship.”
What This Means for the Future of MotoGP
The appointment sends a clear signal of intent: with Liberty Media’s backing and an expanded leadership structure in place, MotoGP is preparing to move forward rapidly on multiple fronts. Expanding into new territories, enhancing digital and fan engagement, and securing the long-term future of the championship through innovation and investment are all expected to be central priorities under the new arrangement.
By combining established leadership with fresh energy and a shared vision, MotoGP Group hopes to preserve the championship’s rich heritage and sporting integrity while modernising its commercial approach and broadening its appeal to the next generation of fans. With further appointments due in the coming months, the stage appears set for one of the most significant periods of change and growth in the championship’s modern history.
