Susie Wolff has been named as the new team principal of Venturi Formula E – a role that she will assume with immediate effect.
Wolff, who retired from professional motorsport at the end of 2015, raced in the DTM from 2006-2011 and carried out a development driver role with Williams from 2012-2014 before founding the Dare to be Different campaign – an initiative that encourages the involvement of women in motorsport.
The appointment of Wolff to the role of team principal, as well as her becoming a shareholder in the team, marks the latest step in a strategic plan launched by Venturi to strengthen the outfit before the start of Seaon Five this December with the signing of Felipe Massa, the establishment of a driver academy and a partnership with HWA AG acting as a precursor to this event.
"When I decided to stop as a professional driver in 2015, I knew that I wanted to continue with the challenge of competitive racing, just not behind the wheel," said Wolff.
"You can't just switch off your competitive instincts when you stop driving and that determination and desire to achieve still burn brightly inside me.
"I took time to carefully decide the right direction for that challenge and I have now found the perfect next step, with the opportunity to become both a shareholder and Team Principal of Venturi Formula E Team.
"I'm really looking forward to working with Gildo [Pastor], who is rightly recognised as a pioneer in electric automobiles and who saw the potential of the series from the very beginning.
"He has built a strong team that has earned its place on the Formula E grid and features many talented people who I'm excited to work with.
"Formula E is the perfect environment for this step into team management: it is full of potential, breaking the mould for traditional racing series, and the series is enjoying an exciting phase of expansion at the moment.
"I can't wait to begin this next chapter in my racing career and to tackle all of the challenges ahead," she added.
CEO of Venturi, Gildo Pastor, said he was "delighted" to have Wolff join the team and hailed her new involvement as a "proud" moment:
"I am delighted to welcome Susie on board as Team Principal and shareholder," he said.
"Her energy and expertise will help us to grow by strengthening the team and introducing a new approach to management. Thanks to her personal experience Susie takes a unique strategic view of the team, the championship and motor racing in general.
"She will certainly lead the Venturi Formula E Team to the top. Her desire to become a shareholder illustrates an unwavering commitment which warms my heart.
"Venturi and the Venturi Formula E Team are proud to welcome Susie at a key moment in the history of the group."
With Wolff assuming the role as of immediate effect, she will captain the squad for the final race of Formula E's present Season Four campaign which will come to a close with the New York City E-Prix next month.
