The founder becomes honorary chairman as the governance of the empire that controls both Formula 1 and MotoGP evolves.
As reported by the Financial Times, John Malone is stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Liberty Media, taking on the role of Honorary Chairman. Replacing him is Robert Bennett, previously the company’s Vice Chairman. At the same time, Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, will become Chairman of the sister company as part of the same restructuring.
Who is John Malone: biography
Malone, 84, is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of cable television and global media. Nicknamed the “Cable Cowboy”, over six decades he built and led an empire that fundamentally transformed the landscape of pay-TV and sports entertainment.
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Under his guidance, Liberty Media acquired the commercial rights to Formula 1, ushering the championship into a new digital era and expanding aggressively into new markets — especially in the United States. In addition, Liberty Media secured the commercial rights to MotoGP, effectively establishing a near-monopoly presence in elite motorsport.
This is not the first organizational shift at the company: Liberty has completed multiple spin-off operations in recent years, focusing increasingly on sport and live entertainment.
Although Malone will no longer serve as Chairman, his influence remains. He will continue to act as a key strategic figure, ensuring continuity. However, the new governance structure aims to enhance operational focus and accelerate investment and growth in the global sports sector. A symbolic change at the top — but one designed to keep pushing Liberty Media’s motorsport empire into its next phase.
Photo: Formula 1
