The Grand Prix Association of Long Beach this month named Jim Liaw as its new president and chief executive to-be. Liaw will take the helm on July 1, succeeding Jim Michaelian.
Michaellian, who leaves on June 30, is taking a new role with Penske Entertainment. He’s a founding member of the organization and still plans to lead the association’s 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, with Liaw taking on the temporary title of general manager for the event.
“Leading the Grand Prix Association and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach has been the privilege of a lifetime,” Michaelian said in a statement. “This event and this community mean a great deal to me, and I’m proud of what our team has built together.”
Liaw comes to the Grand Prix Association from Performance Racing Industry, where he is wrapping up as general manager. He co-founded Formula Drift in 2003 and served as president until 2021.
“The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is incredibly meaningful to me – it was the first major race I ever attended nearly 30 years ago, and it helped spark a lifelong connection to motorsports,” Liaw said. “Southern California has been home since I was 6, so it’s truly an honor to represent Long Beach and the region while leading such a special event.”
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AltaSea, the incubator at the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro, has two new board of trustee members.
Andrew Zimmern – an Emmy recipient and four-time James Beard Award winning chef – and Ashlan Cousteau – and environmental journalist and ocean advocate – will be sworn onto the board for its first meeting this year.
“Andrew’s leadership in sustainable seafood and his ability to tell compelling stories about our oceans are exactly what the blue economy needs right now,” said AltaSea President and Chief Executive Terry Tamminen.
“With Ashlan joining our Board of Trustees,” Tamminen added, “AltaSea is adding a globally respected storyteller and changemaker who understands both the urgency of our work and the opportunity of the blue economy.”
