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Jean Todt

Jean Todt is a French motorsport executive and former rally co-driver.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jean Todt is a French motorsport executive and former rally co-driver known for his leadership of Peugeot Talbot Sport, Scuderia Ferrari, and the FIA. He served as President of the FIA from 2009 to 2021 and was appointed United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety in 2015.

Early life and rally career

Jean Todt was born on 25 February 1946 in Pierrefort, Cantal, France. He began his motorsport career as a rally co-driver before moving into motorsport management.

Peugeot and Ferrari leadership

Todt became director of Peugeot Talbot Sport in 1981. He was team principal of Scuderia Ferrari from 1993 and later Ferrari chief executive from 2004 to 2008. He is associated with major successes in rallying, endurance racing, and Formula One through the teams he led.

FIA presidency

Todt was elected president of the FIA in 2009 and remained in office until 2021. He was re-elected in 2013 and 2017.

Road safety and later work

In 2015, Todt was appointed the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety. He has been involved in road-safety advocacy and related initiatives through international roles.

Key facts

  • Todt began his career as a rally co-driver before moving into motorsport management.
  • He became director of Peugeot Talbot Sport in 1981.
  • He was team principal of Scuderia Ferrari from 1993 and later Ferrari chief executive from 2004 to 2008.
  • He was elected FIA president in 2009 and remained in office until 2021.
  • He was appointed the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety in 2015.
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Canadian context

Jean Todt is relevant to Canadian readers through his leadership of the FIA, the governing body for major international motorsport series that include Canadian events such as the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jean Todt?
Jean Todt is a French motorsport executive and former rally co-driver who led Peugeot Talbot Sport, Ferrari, and the FIA.
When was Jean Todt born?
He was born on 25 February 1946 in Pierrefort, Cantal, France.
What was Jean Todt’s role at Ferrari?
He was team principal of Scuderia Ferrari and later Ferrari’s chief executive, serving in senior roles from 1993 to 2008.
Was Jean Todt president of the FIA?
Yes. He served as FIA president from 2009 to 2021.
What is Jean Todt’s connection to the United Nations?
He was appointed the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety in April 2015.

References

  1. French Wikipedia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Todt
    Supports: Birthplace, rally background, Peugeot/Ferrari leadership, FIA presidency dates
  2. English Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Todt
    Supports: Career timeline, FIA presidency, UN road safety envoy appointment
  3. Olympics.com — https://www.olympics.com/cio/olympisme-en-action/intervenants/jean-todt
    Supports: FIA presidency and UN road safety envoy appointment
  4. World Economic Forum — https://www.weforum.org/people/jean-todt/
    Supports: Rally co-driver career, Peugeot and Ferrari roles, birth year, charitable work