McLaren Strengthens Board With Luxury, Tech and Auto Leaders
McLaren Group Holdings Limited today announces the expansion of its Board of Directors, appointing seasoned leaders from the luxury, technology, and automotive sectors to steer the company’s next phase of growth. The nine-member Board now comprises His Excellency Jassem Al Zaabi, who continues as Group Chairman, alongside Luca di Montezemolo, Her Excellency Mariam Al Mheiri, Kaj-Erik Relander, Michel Combes, Nick Collins, Paul Walsh, Pierre-Yves Roussel and Torsten Gerd Müller-Ötvös.
This strengthened governance follows the recent recapitalisation by CYVN Holdings LLC, the Abu Dhabi-owned advanced mobility investor. The infusion allowed McLaren Automotive to repay its public bond and outstanding loans, paving the way for disciplined investment and financial resilience.
With their combined expertise, the directors will shape a strategy that positions McLaren as a global leader in high-performance luxury vehicles. The Board oversees McLaren Automotive, acquired in April 2025, CYVN’s UK anchor investment, Forseven, a non-controlling stake in McLaren Racing and the newly established McLaren Licensing business, ensuring unified direction across the Group.
“This new Board represents a pivotal moment for McLaren. Drawing on the depth of experience of our members, we're not just growing the potential of the McLaren brand — we're igniting a new era of vision, innovation, and growth, with a level of leadership rarely seen in the automotive industry.” His Excellency, Jassem Al Zaabi, Chairman of McLaren Group Holdings Limited.
“We are shaping a business that reflects where McLaren is going, not just where it’s been. I warmly welcome our new directors to McLaren Group Holdings. Together, we will provide the strategic oversight to support the next phase of McLaren’s bold ambitions, united by the belief that McLaren can be more, can do more and can offer more.” Nick Collins, CEO, McLaren Group Holdings.
Luca Cordero di Montezemolo chaired and led Ferrari from 1991 to 2014, guiding the marque to 19 world titles and later serving as chairman of both Fiat Group and Maserati; the Automotive Hall of Fame honoured him in 2015. He co-founded Italo, Europe’s first private high-speed train operator, and Itabus, Italy’s first private long-distance bus company, serving as a director until April 2023.
Her Excellency Mariam Al Mheiri heads 2PointZero, a global investment platform focused on technology, renewable energy and infrastructure, and leads the International Affairs Office at the UAE Presidential Court. She sits on the boards of First Abu Dhabi Bank, Modon and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, following ministerial roles that championed climate action, food security and sustainable resources.
Kaj-Erik Relander, a director of both McLaren Group Holdings and CYVN Holdings, brings decades of experience in private equity and venture capital, having served as Chief Investment Officer at Emirates Investment Authority, General Partner at Accel Partners and CEO of Nordic telecom operator Sonera. He currently sits on the boards of ADQ, Abu Dhabi Global Market, Louis Dreyfus and SES satellites.
Michel Combes chairs and leads MC Conseil and MC Advisory, partners with Forgelight on media and consumer tech investments, and advises Apollo and Oddo BHF. He also serves on the boards of Philip Morris International, E&F5 Inc., Eutelsat, and several private technology firms, guiding strategic growth and innovation.
Nick Collins became Chief Executive Officer of McLaren Group Holdings in April 2025 after steering Forseven since early 2024. He advises CYVN Holdings and sits on the Board of NIO Inc., drawing on previous leadership at Jaguar Land Rover and Ford Motor Company to drive product strategy and development.
Paul Walsh, Executive Chairman of McLaren Group Holdings and McLaren Racing since 2020, offers extensive experience gained during three decades at Diageo plc, including 13 years as Chief Executive. He formerly held senior roles with Inter-Continental Hotels and led The Pillsbury Company.
Pierre-Yves Roussel serves as CEO of Tory Burch, having previously chaired LVMH Fashion Group for 14 years. A McLaren Group director since May 2024, he also contributes to the Jay H. Baker Retailing Centre at Wharton and Lectra, a leading fashion and automotive technology provider.
Torsten Gerd Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars from 2010 to 2023, transformed the marque into an International House of Luxury, doubling average prices and increasing annual sales sixfold. He led a decade-long plan for full electrification, culminating in the 2023 launch of the Spectre, and previously directed the MINI brand at BMW.
Through this diverse yet unified leadership, McLaren Group Holdings is poised to accelerate product innovation, brand elevation and sustainable expansion in the luxury automotive landscape.