McLaren has appointed Volkswagen's motorsport director Jost Capito as CEO of the racing team.
Capito replaces the acting CEO of McLaren Racing, Jonathan Neale, who has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of McLaren Technology Group. Though no official start date has been given for either move a McLaren statement said the timing will be actioned "in 2016 in agreement with Jost's current employer" Volkswagen.
Both Capito and Neale will report directly to McLaren Technology Group CEO Ron Dennis. Capito will be supported in his role by existing racing director Eric Boullier, whose job will remain unchanged.
The appointment comes off the back of McLaren's worst season since 1980, following a frustrating campaign with the returning Honda's uncompetitive and unreliable power unit. Dennis hopes Capito helps spearhead McLaren's charge back to the top of F1.
"I first approached Jost last summer," Dennis said in a statement. "He is an extremely impressive, competitive and ambitious individual, who comes to us with a very wide range of automotive and motorsport experience, encompassing senior positions at BMW, Porsche, Ford, Sauber and, since 2012, Volkswagen, leading the latter company's World Rally Championship team to consecutive world titles in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
"From a motorsport perspective he has experience in not only the World Rally Championship but also Sports Cars, Touring Cars, Motorcycle Racing and Formula One, about which he is hugely knowledgeable and infectiously passionate.
"I am therefore delighted to welcome Jost to McLaren, and I am certain that he will work extremely well with Eric and all at McLaren Racing, building on the very good work they have already done to take the McLaren-Honda programme forward towards grand prix victories and world championship successes."
Speaking on his new role, Neale said: "After 15 years in senior roles within McLaren Racing, most recently as COO and acting CEO, I am excited to be moving up to take on a wider remit, working directly with Ron to assist his leadership of McLaren Technology Group," Neale said. "I have enjoyed my time at McLaren Racing, and will of course remain closely involved in supporting Jost's and Eric's efforts to optimise the future success of the McLaren-Honda programme."