Graham MacDonald is promoted to Caterham Group CEO

Graham Macdonald has been appointed as the new CEO of the Caterham Group of companies, with overall responsibility for all arms of the business. He retains his role as CEO of Caterham Cars as well as his expanded role across the Group.

From 1st November 2013, all the heads of Caterham’s current divisions – Caterham Cars, Caterham F1 Team, Caterham Technology & Innovation and Caterham Composites – will now report into Macdonald.

Former Caterham Group CEO Riad Asmat will continue as Head of Caterham Automotive – which is a general management role responsible for Caterham Cars and Caterham Technology & Innovation (CTI) – but now reporting into MacDonald.

When we spoke earlier in the year, Graham articulated his vision for the Caterham group and made it clear that cars would lead and maintain responsibility for the brand across the group’s growing portfolio of projects.

“The last year has been a whirlwind for me at the head of Caterham Cars and I’m honoured to be asked to elevate my role for the whole of the Caterham Group,” said MacDonald.

“Caterham is going through a revolution in terms of its brand proposition and status so to be at the forefront of that change is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.”

At last month’s Singapore Grand Prix, shareholders Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun outlined their vision for the Caterham brand that will see it deliver a series of enterprising new market propositions as part of a progressive strategy.

At the same event, Caterham unveiled the AeroSeven Concept, confirmed its plans for an SUV and city model, and provided an update on its joint venture to produce a new Porsche-rivalling sports car with Renault Alpine.

The Company is also branching out into other sectors, with projects in the marine and airline industries, a Caterham bicycle being launched and entry of a motorcycle team in the 2014 Moto2 championship.

MacDonald will certainly be busy, but his new role provides him the remit to achieve the vision he outlined to us in March – namely delivering a global brand that is recognised for the excellence of its products.

Image Credit: Caterham F1 (Graham MacDonald speaks with UK Prime Minister David Cameron at the F1 team’s Leafield HQ.

Written By

Steve Davies

Steve is an investor, private equity advisor and former Partner at KPMG, PwC and Bain. Most importantly he's a life-long car enthusiast, mountain biker and active sports enthusiast. He designs and builds technology platforms and is the architect behind Transmission.