Ron Dennis back at the helm of McLaren Group

Ron Dennis has been re-appointed as chief executive officer of the McLaren Group with immediate effect. He has been charged by the company’s shareholders to “improve its on-track and off-track performance”.

Dennis assumes a role previously held by Martin Whitmarsh, who is also team principal of the Formula 1 outfit.

Dennis was previously CEO of the Woking-based group from 1982 to 2012, when he stepped aside. He became group chairman in 2013, and was also team principal of the Formula 1 team between 1982 and 2009.

Dennis said: “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.

“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, while 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 CEO and working with my many colleagues and fellow shareholders to fulfil our objective – which is to win at whatever we do.”


Dennis will remain chairman of McLaren Automotive, the company’s high-performance road car arm.

It isn’t yet clear how today’s announcement affects Whitmarsh, who last year presided over McLaren’s first winless F1 season since 2006.