MAY 18, 2006

Recognition for Gurdjian

Philippe Gurdjian is a man who likes to work in the shadows of Formula 1. An advertising man, he decided in 1985 to establish a promotional company called PHG Developement and in 1990 signed a deal to be the promoter of the French Grand Prix at Magny-Cours. He continued to run the race until 1997 when the local government decided not to renew the contract and put its own promoter in charge. After that Gurdjian began working closely with Bernie Ecclestone and has been quietly involved in a number of projects and promotions in Korea, Morocco, Barcelona, Austria, Bahrain and Malaysia. He was closely involved in the negotiations for the purchase of Paul Ricard and is the managing-director of Excelsis, the company which runs the circuit.

Gurdjian has recently been recognised for his efforts for French motorsport with his appointment as a chevalier de l'Ordre National du Merite. This is France's second most important award behind the prestigious Legion d'Honneur and is awarded to French men and women who distinguish themselves in the civil or military achievement.