Martin Whitaker joined Bahrain International Circuit shortly after the first F1 event was held there in 2004. He had been closely involved in the promotion of that inaugural race as an employee of KHP Consulting, the international sports marketing agency.

Whitaker came to the job with a strong working knowledge of the motor sport industry. He was an integral part of the KHP team that assisted in the organisation of the first race and is familiar with the workings of FIA, the Formula One governing body. He was also director of motor sport for the Ford Motor Company and held positions at McLaren Racing and the RAC Motor Sports Association, UK motor sport’s governing body.