Beavan to step down as Director of Hospitality and Experiences
Formula 1 has confirmed that Kate Beavan, Director of Hospitality and Experiences will step down from her role at the end of August 2021 with her responsibilities merged into another directorate within Formula 1.
Beavan joined Formula 1 in 2003 having worked previously for Tom Walkinshaw’s Arrows team. Following a broad range of legal and commercial roles within the business, Beavan took on the leadership of Formula 1’s hospitality division, following Liberty Media’s acquisition of the sport in 2017, where she has been responsible for the Formula 1 Paddock Club, the ultimate immersive high-end hospitality experience in sport.
Under her direction, the Paddock Club offering has been enhanced and developed by innovations such as the creation of the highly successful F1 Experiences programme, the Hot Laps programme, live car auctions with RM Sotheby’s as well as a raft of experiential innovations for Paddock Club guests.
More recently, despite the debilitating effect that the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the hospitality industry worldwide, Beavan and her team launched the novel Virtual Paddock Club and last month she successfully reopened the Paddock Club, welcoming a record 2000 guests to Silverstone in a COVID secure, luxury environment.
Beavan is leaving at the end of August. There will not be a replacement for the role, with her responsibilities being merged into another directorate within Formula 1.
Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, Formula 1, commented: “I want to thank Kate for her commitment to Formula 1 over many years and most recently at the helm of our hospitality team these past 4 years.
“I particularly congratulate her on her recent achievement in reopening the Formula 1 Paddock Club, even though the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic are still being felt. It was a tremendous success that she and her team were able to hold a fantastic, luxury hospitality event for thousands of guests at Silverstone last month under COVID secure conditions. We wish her the very best for her future.”
Kate Beavan, Director of Hospitality, Formula1, said: “There is no better job than the one I have been doing for Formula 1 over the last few years and it has been my joy and privilege to work with the most committed and passionate team of staff and partners in innovating and delivering the F1 Paddock Club.
“The world of live sporting events and high-end hospitality is alive and kicking and full of future opportunities with Formula 1 uniquely placed to capitalise upon these. I wish everyone at Formula 1 all the success they deserve.”
