» Ex-Jag man joins Williams as CEO

The Williams F1 team’s parent company, Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC, has announced the appointment of its new CEO.

The lucky man is Mike O’Driscoll, former Managing Director of Jaguar Cars and ex-President of Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover in North America. He takes over from Alex Burns, who leaves the team with immediate effect.

“I am honoured that the Board has entrusted me with the position of Group CEO,” O’Driscoll said in a media release issued this morning.

“I have been proud to serve as a Non-Executive Director since 2011 and in my new role, I am very much looking forward to helping Sir Frank and Claire achieve the ambitious goals we have set ourselves.”

“[He] has been a valued member of our board since 2011 as a Non-Executive Director and I am delighted that his day to day involvement in the company is to significantly increase,” added Williams F1 team founder Sir Frank Williams.

“This new role strengthens the company and will help us achieve our goals both on the race track and in diversification. Mike brings with him significant skills and a wealth of experience. Working with [Deputy Team Principal] Claire [Williams], I am in no doubt that the future of Williams is in safe hands.”

Williams also thanked Burns for his “significant contribution” to the Williams team during his tenure.

Williams has suffered a disastrous start to its 2013 championship campaign, with it being the only team to have scored points last year to still be scoreless after the opening six races of the season.