McLaren Racing announces the appointment of Steve Atkins, currently Director of Communications at Chelsea Football Club, to the position of Chief Communications Officer, reporting directly into Zak Brown, CEO. Steve will join the McLaren Racing Executive team and his role will be effective from 1 Dec 2022.

Steve brings 30 years of Communications and PR expertise from some of the most fast-paced and challenging environments. In his current role as Director of Communications for Chelsea Football Club, he has overall responsibility for the club’s external global media relations, issue and crisis management and public affairs work. He is the club’s official spokesman, regularly representing the ownership group, club board, head coaches, players and all employees.

Before joining Chelsea, Steve was Deputy Press Secretary at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. His time in the US capital covered a period that included the Kosovo war, 911 and its aftermath, and military action in Afghanistan and Iraq. He was responsible for proactive and reactive UK government communications across US media, and maintaining close and effective liaison with US colleagues in the White House, National Security Council, State Department, Pentagon and other US agencies on US/UK bilateral relationship issues.

Steve has been listed in the top 10 most influential people in PR Week’s Power Book in the sports and entertainment category since 2016, being voted the most influential communicator in football in 2020, '21 and '22.

Zak Brown, CEO, McLaren Racing, said:

“We are very excited to welcome Steve to the McLaren Racing leadership team as our new Chief Communications Officer. Communications has never been more important as we look to achieve our ambitious growth plans. Steve is a fantastic leader and brings a wealth of communications experience from sport and government that will prove invaluable in helping us maximise opportunities and navigate any challenges. He has a proven track record of delivery in some of the toughest environments. I know he will be a great fit with the team and look forward to him joining and helping us create an exciting future for McLaren Racing.”

Steve Atkins, Chief Communications Officer, McLaren Racing (from 1st Dec 2022), said:

“I am delighted to take up the position of Chief Communications Officer at McLaren Racing, an iconic global brand with a unique heritage and outstanding core values.

“I look forward to working with the hugely talented staff across this storied brand’s five race teams to deliver best in class communications for McLaren and its partners.

“As it heads towards its 60th anniversary, McLaren Racing still pushes tirelessly for greater success and seeks to find the advantage and competitive edge in everything it does. I’m thrilled to be joining such an ambitious, innovative and impressive organisation.”