Betsy Fretwell, who spent three decades in public sector and private business leadership roles, was named chief operating officer of the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix on Tuesday.
Fretwell will be responsible for the year-round operation of the Grand Prix, including developing a business surrounding Grand Prix Plaza, the $500 million centerpiece for the annual race. She will also oversee community relations.
Fretwell will report to Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO Renee Wilm, who is the chief legal officer of Colorado-based Liberty Media, which owns Formula One.
In a statement, Fretwell said she will work with local government, tourism and community leaders on planning for the annual race, which is scheduled for Nov. 23. The first Las Vegas Grand Prix took place last November.
Fretwell, who owns a consulting company, spent 27 years in the public sector, including nine years as city manager of Las Vegas. She also served as an executive with information technology infrastructure provider Switch. Fretwell is the chairwoman of the Vegas Chamber Board of Trustees and is on the boards of the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance and Las Vegas Events.
