McLaren Technology Group (MTG) have announced two new appointments, each a key step towards achieving the group’s aggressive growth ambitions.
Volkswagen’s director of motorsport, Jost Capito has been appointed as McLaren Formula 1 team’s new chief executive officer.With Capito’s arrival it means Jonathan Neale, who has acted as CEO at McLaren Racing for the past 22 months, will move across to the newly-created role of chief operating officer for MTG.
As CEO of the Formula 1 team, Capito will be supported by Eric Boullier, who’s position as racing director for the team will remain unchanged. Timing of these moves will be actioned sometime in 2016 when an agreement is met with Capito’s current employer.
In mid-2012, Capito took charge of VW’s motorsport programmes, leading them to domination in WRC for the past three seasons. Neale and Capito will work closely with Ron Dennis, whose position as executive chairman and chief executive officer of MTG will also remain unchanged.
“Consistent with McLaren Technology Group’s strategy of driving continuous growth, Jonathan has been promoted to the position of COO,” said Dennis. “He has done an excellent job as acting CEO of McLaren Racing and that experience, together with the expertise he has attained in non-motorsport industry positions previously, makes him ideally suited to such an important new role at McLaren Technology Group.
“I am therefore delighted to welcome Jost to McLaren, and I am certain that he will work extremely well with Eric and all at McLaren Racing, building on the very good work they have already done to take the McLaren-Honda programme forward towards grand prix victories and world championship successes.”
Neale is excited with the promotion to COO, particularly keen to bring his wider industry expertises to the Group.
“After 15 years in senior roles within McLaren Racing, most recently as COO and acting CEO, I am excited to be moving up to take on a wider remit, working directly with Ron to assist his leadership of McLaren Technology Group.
“I have enjoyed my time at McLaren Racing, and will of course remain closely involved in supporting Jost’s and Eric’s efforts to optimise the future success of the McLaren-Honda programme.”
Volkswagen’s Frank Welsch who is Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars Brand with responsibility for ‘Development’ added, “We would like to thank Jost Capito for his exceptionally dedicated and successful work for Volkswagen in motorsport.
“The three World Rally Championship titles with the Polo R WRC represent the greatest sporting achievements in the history of the Volkswagen brand and underscore the technical competence of our company. With his transparent and far-sighted leadership, Jost Capito has been instrumental in this success”
