NextEV TCR co-founder and Team Principal Dr Martin Leach has passed away at the age of 59 following a battle with cancer over the past few months.
Leach joined NextEV in their inaugural season, when Nelson Piquet Jr won the driver’s title.
He then helped in the operation of the team for season two, and although results were disappointing the team look to have bounced back this year.
Prior to that Leach was president of Ford in Europe in addition to working in senior roles at Maserati and Mazda.
In a statement fellow founder and Chairman of NextEV William Li paid tribute to the contribution Leach had made to shaping the team.
“I came to know Martin in October 2014. I was impressed by his achievements in the industry, and I was deeply touched by his passion in sharing my vision of creating a totally new experience for automobile users. Since then, Martin had participated i every step of the NextEV journey.
“In the early days, Martin supported me in creating an excellent leadership team, shaping the company’s value and defining our products, which set the foundation of NextEV.
“Martin continued to lead our performance programmes and, under his leadership, NextEV achieved the inaugural driver’s championship title in the FIA Formula E Championship and our supercar will be seen by the world soon.
“Martin is a true warrior and lived to the highest standard. Even during his last minutes, he was still caring about the progress of NextEV. I am honoured to have had Martin as a partner. His loss is a great loss to all of us, his legacy will stay forever with NextEV. His dedication and his vision will continue to inspire our people to create our history.
“We will honour Martin with our very best contribution and by completing his mission.”
