The President is the external face of the FIA, acting as the voice of the institution and taking part in all ceremonial events. He/she takes executive decisions on behalf of the FIA in areas delegated by the FIA bodies and ultimately the General Assembly.

The President of the FIA is elected for a four-year term. As of 2005, the President’s term is renewable only once. The President is elected as part of a list occupying all the major positions within the FIA, forming what is in effect a government, ensuring smooth and efficient governance.

Aside from his/her role chairing the FIA General Assembly, he/she chairs one of the World Councils, and assigns missions and delegates specific responsibilities to the Vice Presidents and Deputy Presidents.