Dennis succeeds Whitmarsh as McLaren Group CEO

Ron Dennis, the architect of McLaren’s modern era, has taken over the position of Group CEO from current team principal Martin Whitmarsh, it was announced on Thursday, with the possibility of more organisational changes at the team prior to the start of the 2014 season.

Dennis, McLaren Group Chairman since 2013, was previously CEO from 1982 to 2012, as well as team principal from 1982 to 2009, and was succeeded in both roles by Whitmarsh.

“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,” said Dennis, who will combine his Group Chairman and CEO duties.

“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.”

Dennis added that he plans to reveal a new group strategy next month and “implement the organisational structure best suited to achieving it”. It follows a highly disappointing 2013 season for McLaren in which the team failed to record a podium finish for the first time since 1980.

“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,” concluded Dennis, who also continues as Chairman of McLaren’s road car business.

McLaren will launch their 2014 F1 car, the MP4-29, online on January 24. It will be the last McLaren to use Mercedes engines before the team return to Honda power in 2015.