Outgoing CSM Sport & Entertainment CEO ZAK BROWN yesterday officially accepted the position of McLaren Technology Group Exec Dir, ending months of speculation. Brown's appointment comes only days after McLaren Group CEO RON DENNIS, whom Brown said recruited him, was forced out by fellow shareholders. Brown said of Dennis, "Once I announced my resignation, he stepped up the recruiting process. I had conversations with other entities, but it was really a function of what McLaren was offering me and the opportunity." Dennis' departure had no impact on Brown's decision. Dennis still holds a 25% stake in the company. Brown will start his new position with the U.K.-based F1 team next month. The 45-year-old Brown will work together with McLaren COO JONATHAN NEALE to jointly lead the group's business operations. Both will report directly to McLaren's exec committee (HJ Mai, SBD Global). The FINANCIAL TIMES' Peter Campbell notes at McLaren, Brown will "run the F1 team and business," while Neale will "oversee the company's applied technology division" (FINANCIAL TIMES, 11/22).
WHAT'S NEXT? In Indianapolis, Anthony Schoettle notes McLaren, "once an F1 powerhouse, has struggled in recent years." Brown is "no stranger to McLaren, having worked on several sponsorship deals with the team, including those involving Johnnie Walker, Hilton Hotels, Lenovo, GSK and Chandon" (IBJ.com, 11/21). Brown said of his new role, "I haven't been this happy in a while. I feel like a little kid." He said of other forms of racing to which McLaren could expand, "I've already worked with McLaren to put together the NASCAR electronics supply deal with Ron. Then there's the GT project and maybe Le Mans one day." Brown said of what he will seek to improve at McLaren, "There's lots of space on the McLaren race car that needs filling with top luxury brands. A title sponsor will help propel you forward. But I don't think this is a priority over the other. We need partners and ultimately a title partner is a critical partner" (MOTORSPORT.com, 11/22).
