Las Vegas Grand Prix COO Betsy Fretwell steps down five months after assuming role

Betsy Fretwell, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, is stepping down from her position after serving for five months. Fretwell is set to return to consulting.

She began her role in January to lead business efforts, including building out the Grand Prix Plaza’a year-round activation and spearheading community and stakeholder relations, following the first Grand Prix race last year, as per a report by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. 

“Over the last several months while serving as the COO of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, we developed a solid plan for this year’s race, established clear lines of communication with governing agencies, and furthered critical community relationships,” Fretwell said in a statement.

“With that work in place, it is time for me to return to my prior management consulting practice with C4ward Strategies. I’m confident that I’m leaving the LVGP in a stronger position and wish them every success.”

Fretwell has over 30 years of experience in the business sector and serves as Chair of the Vegas Chamber’s Board of Trustees. She is also a former Las Vegas City Manager and has previously served as Executive Vice President of Strategy at Switch. 

Las Vegas Grand Prix CEO Renee Wilm praised Fretwell for her contribution toward the 2024 race during her short time as COO.

“She has been instrumental in helping us set the table for a successful race this year,” Wilm said in a statement. “In our inaugural year, my focus was intently on the establishment and operation of the race. I now intend to bring that same energy and attention to the Las Vegas community as a whole, this year and for years to come. We wish Betsy nothing but the best.”

Fretwell began her stint with the grand prix amid Clark County officials pushing for better communication regarding the 2024 race’s transportation plan. Several businesses near where a temporary bridge was constructed on Flamingo Road over Koval Lane were fighting to be compensated for millions of dollars in losses they claimed to have incurred as a result of the major event.

In March, Fretwell said: “We continue to work with all local stakeholders to ensure expanded opportunities for the community. The county has provided helpful feedback and recommendations for a smoother implementation this year, and we have already begun addressing those recommendations. This year’s race preparations will be significantly streamlined, which will lead to far fewer traffic disruptions in a much shorter time frame."

During a March 19th meeting, Commission Chairman Tick Segerblom stated that a request by F1 for the county to foot a $40 million bill for repaving is now off the table, 8 News Now reports. The request led to a swell of public opinion against F1, but perhaps not as much as the months of construction disruptions for the first race.

Earlier this month, a group of Las Vegas business owners pushed back against plans for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, citing significant financial losses and traffic disruptions from the previous year's event. The petition, titled "Stop the Las Vegas Grand Prix," calls on Clark County Commissioners to deny the special use permit required for this year's race. 

This year's Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix race is scheduled to take place from November 21st to November 23rd.