F1: Frank Williams Leaves Board Of Own Team

Formula 1

F1: Frank Williams Leaves Board Of Own Team

Sir Frank Williams has vacated his role on the Williams team's board...

Adam Cooper | http://www.speedtv.com | Posted March 02, 2012 Balen (BEL)

Sir Frank Williams turns 70 in April. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Sir Frank Williams will make a first small move toward what could be an eventual retirement by giving up his place on the board of Williams Grand Prix Holdings.

However, the Williams family will still be represented as his daughter Claire has been promoted to the board as director of marketing and communications. She will take up the role on April 1, replacing Dominic Reilly, who is leaving the team.

“It is no secret that Claire is my daughter,” said Sir Frank, who turns 70 this year. “But I am proud to say that she has fought hard to earn this appointment and of all the battles she has had to fight, the prejudices of her father were not the least challenging. Dominic Reilly has proven a unique talent in the field of sports marketing and filling the gap he leaves was daunting. But I have come to the view that Claire, with her profound love and knowledge of the sport and the team, can do so and I am proud and delighted that the Board has given her this opportunity.

“This is an opportune moment, also, for me to consider my own role in the team. I turn 70 in April and I have decided to signal the next stage in the gradual but inevitable process of handing over the reins to the next generation by stepping down from the Board at the end of this month. This is not as dramatic a move as it may appear: I shall continue to work full-time as team principal and I shall continue to attend all Board meetings as observer.

“I also remain the majority shareholder of Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC. Nonetheless, I shall be looking to Claire to represent the Williams family on the Board and I know that she will work tirelessly alongside Adam (Parr) to make the Group and the team just as successful as we can be.”

Williams chairman Parr added: “Claire has worked at Williams for 10 years, taking on increasingly demanding positions and demonstrating throughout all of the qualities needed in this critical role.

“Claire will be accountable for acquiring new partners for the Williams F1 Team as well as continuing to be responsible for ensuring effective communication about the team and the Group as a whole. The Board concluded that Claire’s appointment would further strengthen its quality, diversity and effectiveness.”

Adam Cooper notched up his 27th season as a racing journalist in 2011. He has written about F1 for SPEED.com since 2005. Follow him on Twitter.