The ACO has appointed French investor and entrepreneur Stephane Darracq as its new General Manager.

A board-level executive with experience directing multiple French companies, Darracq assumes the managerial position previously held by Frederic Lenart, who left the organization last September.

An ACO statement said Darracq’s role will involve “drawing on his business skills and knowledge of the automotive world to guide the club in the accomplishment of its three-pronged mission” of promoting motorsport, mobility and increasing its influence through flagship events.

The 54-year-old vintage racing enthusiast, who has competed in the Le Mans classic and is a distant relative of sports car pioneer Alexandre Darracq, will step into his new position on May 2.

“I extend a warm welcome to Stephane Darracq, on behalf of the ACO,” commented ACO president Pierre Fillon.

“His background, his expertise, his analytical skills and his flexibility will serve him well in his role as General Manager of the ACO.

“So much is changing in the automotive sector, in sport and in entertainment. Business models are under constant revision and the ACO has to negotiate the curves while remaining true to its roots.

“Together, we shall determine and implement the club’s strategy to achieve our goals.”