Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa now Chief Executive Officer of ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’.
Bahrain, Oct 6th– Zayed R. Al Zayani, Chairman of the Board at Bahrain International Circuit, announces with great pride today the formal appointment of Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa as Chief Executive Officer of ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’.
Shaikh Salman has been serving as the circuit’s Acting Chief Executive Officer since mid-January. He now fills in the role left by Martin Whitaker, the former Chief Executive at Bahrain International Circuit, who resigned from his post earlier this year.
Shaikh Salman took his first official role at Bahrain International Circuit as Head of Governmental Affairs, Public Relations and Marketing between 2004 and 2007. Shaikh Salman then became the circuit’s Chief Operating Officer before filling in the role as acting chief upon Whitaker’s departure.
Over the past eight months, Shaikh Salman has proven his capabilities and has been at the helm of the circuit’s many remarkable successes this year, including the spectacular hosting of season opener, this year’s Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, in March.
Zayed R. Al Zayani, Chairman of the Board at Bahrain International Circuit
Zayed R. Al Zayani, Chairman of the Board at Bahrain International Circuit, expressed his delight with the outstanding work done by Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa in his various positions at Bahrain International Circuit over the years. Shaikh Salman has contributed a lot to the circuit’s successes, and continues to do so at the highest of levels.
Through his position as Chief Operating Officer the past three years, Shaikh Salman was an integral part of the team that spearhead Bahrain International Circuit into its present place at the heart of the world motorsport map. He most especially steps up and delivers with the yearly hosting of the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
Zayed R. Al Zayani said that he is fully confident in the capabilities of Shaikh Salman and his role in leading the circuit to further success and development over the coming years. Zayed R. Al Zayani added: “We always strive to encourage our best Bahraini executives to progress to senior positions at Bahrain International Circuit. “We are proud to have a workforce that is 78% Bahraini, compared to 67% in 2008, and we will continue to take in the most qualified Bahraini staff.
“Shaikh Salman promotion is a testament to his strong leadership and total dedication to his duties over the years. “Now he is ready to move up and undertake even greater responsibilities as Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain International Circuit, ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East,”
Commenting on his appointment, Shaikh Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: “I offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Board of Directors of Bahrain International Circuit and to all who supported me and had full confidence in me over the past few months.
“I am well prepared to continue leading ‘The Home of Motorsport in the Middle East’ to further development and future prosperity. “It is a great honour for me to be taking up this position.” Shaikh Salman stressed that he will strive to maintain the high level of professionalism exuded by former chief Whitaker since the opening of Bahrain International Circuit in 2004. The circuit has since become a global icon that has highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s presence on the world map.
Not only is Bahrain International Circuit the region’s most established centre for motorsport today, it is also a world-class venue for both economic and social events, and is a cornerstone to the “Business Friendly” message of Bahrain.
Shaikh Salman added that he is looking forward to tackling the forthcoming tasks that come with his new role, and he expressed his great confidence in his ability to work hand in hand with the exceptional staff at Bahrain International Circuit.
The announcement of Shaikh Salman as the new Chef Executive Officer at Bahrain International Circuit follows the fantastic news that the Kingdom of Bahrain will once again host the opening round of the Formula One World Championship, with the 2011 season getting underway at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix on March 13 of next year.
