“After much careful thought I have decided to stand as a candidate in the 2013
FIA Presidential election,” Ward said in a statement. “The election period
begins in September and it will be necessary for me to approach FIA members
to secure nominations.
“In these circumstances I think that the correct course of action is to
resign. Election processes inevitably involve robust and lively debate, and
whilst the Foundation is independent and there is no legal requirement for
me to resign, I believe that it is in the best interests of the charity that
I stand down now.”
Ward added that he would continue to support the Foundation as Secretary
General of the Global NCAP and as Executive Secretary to Lord Robertson’s
Commission for Global Road Safety and the Make Roads Safe campaign.
His deputy, Saul Billingsley, has been appointed Acting Director General
pending recruitment of a permanent successor.
Tim Keown, Chairman of the FIA Foundation, said that Ward had led the FIA
Foundation “with distinction, flair and great strategic skill.”