JONATHAN NEALE

Managing Director, McLaren Racing

Jonathan Neale, born 19th August 1962, graduated from Nottingham University with a physics degree in 1984, and joined Phillips Defence Systems shortly after. This technical-based role saw Jonathan’s work focus on semi conductor design, software and electronic warfare systems for submarines and surface ships. In 1991 Jonathan moved to BAE SYSTEMS as a Project Design Engineer on turboprop aircraft, and his managerial capabilities soon saw his role develop within the company. In 1995 he gained a Masters Degree from Manchester University (MBA) and was promoted to Operations and Support Director for Regional Jets and by 1999 Jonathan had moved to the defence programme to take charge, as Managing Director, of the prestigious Hawk Fast Jet Programme.

Jonathan joined McLaren Racing, as Operations Director in 2001 taking on responsibility for the manufacturing processes, supply chain, transport and logistics and purchasing at the company. In April 2004, Jonathan was appointed Managing Director, which increased his responsibilities to include the engineering departments, enabling him to become more involved in the technical strategy and direction of McLaren Racing.