Azhan Shafriman Hanif has taken over the CEO role at the Sepang International Circuit from Razlan Razali, who is stepping down to concentrate on his MotoGP role.
The change comes after an 11-year stint from Razali, whose tenure formally ended on Tuesday.
He’s been immediately replaced by trained mechanical engineer Hanif, who is fresh out of the Head of Strategic Alliance role at Petronas.
“It is a great honour to be entrusted with this job,” said Hanif.
“Razlan has left big shoes to fill, but I believe I can offer a unique perspective in this role, following my years at Petronas.
“With the world facing an unprecedented challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic, having a strong footing in the commercial side of motorsports will be a good launching point for my tenure at SIC, while I gain a firmer grasp of the operations side of things.
“Nevertheless, in my previous role in Petronas, I have had the privilege to provide feedback to SIC on its facilities and amenities – thus offering another starting point for me at SIC while I familiarise myself with a hands-on role as CEO.”
Razali, meanwhile, will focus solely on his role as team principal for the Petronas Sepang Racing Team in the MotoGP World Championship, which runs outfits in all three classes.
“It has been an amazing journey leading the Sepang International Circuit team,” he said.
“What we have achieved in the past decade is truly a team effort – it would not have been possible without the full support and commitment of not just the team at SIC, but also from our partners and stakeholders.
“Although I will still be around as the team principal of Petronas Sepang Racing Team, I am definitely going to miss working alongside the SIC team.
“I wish them and the new CEO great success.”
SRT enjoyed a sensational debut MotoGP season last year, with the outfit scoring six pole positions and seven podiums courtesy of rookie Fabio Quartararo.
It also made a strong start to the 2020 Moto3 campaign in Qatar last month, after John McPhee guided his SRT-run Honda to second – missing out on victory by just 0.053 seconds.