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Williams appoints new CEO

Williams has appointed Mike O'Driscoll as its Group CEO © Williams

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The Williams Group has appointed Mike O'Driscoll as its new CEO, replacing Alex Burns, who was previously the team CEO and has left with immediate effect.

O'Driscoll, formerly employed by Jaguar and Aston Martin, has been a non-executive director at the team since 2011 and will now oversee Williams F1 Team and Williams Advanced Engineering under one management structure in a newly-formed role. He will work alongside Sir Frank Williams and the recently-appointed deputy team principal Claire Williams.

"Mike 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," Sir Frank said. "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 Claire, I am in no doubt that the future of Williams is in safe hands."

Claire Williams added: "Today's announcement is not only great news for the company, but is further evidence of the execution of our long term strategy for business success. Mike brings with him a unique mix of skills and capabilities and he is a passionate motorsport enthusiast with significant automotive industry experience. I have every confidence that he can drive the business forward to deliver an improved performance for both the Williams F1 Team and Williams Advanced Engineering."

O'Driscoll said he was honoured and proud to take a more hands-on role in the company.

Mike O'Driscoll, Williams Group CEO, said: "I am honoured that the board has entrusted me with the position of Group CEO. 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."