Ron Dennis has been re-appointed to the position of chief executive office of the McLaren Group, replacing Martin Whitmarsh who will focus on his role as team principal of the Formula 1 team, for now.
The change could be seen as a significant move as the Briton says the change has been made in an effort to “improve McLaren’s on-track and off-track performance.”
The change comes amid one of McLaren’s worst ever F1 seasons. They went an entire season without a podium for the first time since 1980.
Dennis will review the entire company over the coming weeks. It’s not been confirmed how this change affects Whitmarsh’s position, though it’s reported that Dennis addressed McLaren staff on Thursday and said “there will be change”, adding that the role of team principal would be confirmed next month.
The 66-year-old spoke of his excitement at returning to the role.
“My fellow shareholders have mandated me to write an exciting new chapter in the story of McLaren, beginning by improving our on-track and off-track performance,” he said.
“Over the coming weeks I intend to undertake a thorough and objective review of each of our businesses with the intention of optimising every aspect of our existing operations, whilst identifying new areas of growth that capitalise on our technologies, and where appropriate further investing in them.
“During February, I will articulate a new Group strategy and implement the organisational structure best suited to achieving it. I am excited by the prospect of returning to the role of Group Chief Executive Officer and working with my many colleagues and fellow shareholders to fulfil our objective – which is to win at whatever we do.”
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