Caterham Cars has announced Graham Macdonald will step down as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the start of next month.
Current Chief Strategic Officer Bob Laishley, who was the first appointment under VT Holdings, will take over the position having already been in the business for just over a year.
Laishley, the former Nissan Global Sportscar Programme Director, is an engineer by training with a proven track-record in developing and delivering innovative new products
During his 25 year tenure at Nissan, he held various roles for the brand, including programme director for its OEM collaborations and sports car divisions.
It was the latter role in which, from 2014, he oversaw the application of the marque’s world-famous NISMO expertise to mainstream performance road cars and held responsibility for the iconic GT-R and Z programmes.
Outgoing CEO Macdonald joined the business in 2007 and spent five years as Chief Financial Officer before occupying the CEO position for a decade.
During that period, Macdonald steered the business through some difficult times including the period of F1 and the exit of the Caterham/Renault Alpine JV programme.
Recently he helped to ensure the long-term security of the business by overseeing the acquisition by VT Holdings.
He will leave the business with a healthy forward order book of almost 12 months.
Macdonald has also embraced the product and the brand during his tenure, having owned several Sevens.
He has spent the last five years competing in the highly acclaimed motorsport championship, starting in the Academy series in 2017 and working right up to Caterham’s ultimate racing series, the CSCUK 420R Championship.
Laishley said: “I would like to thank Graham, on behalf of everyone at Caterham, for his work over the last 15 years.
“He leaves the business in a strong position following our best ever sales year in 2021 and demand for the Seven at an all-time high.”
Macdonald added: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the customers, staff, dealers, shareholders and suppliers for their support throughout my time at Caterham.
“After 15 years at Caterham, 10 in the role of CEO, it feels like the right time step away and retire.
“There’s been some massive highs and big challenges along the way, but I can honestly say I’ve relished every bit of my time at Caterham.
“I’m proud to be leaving the business with a healthy order book and wish Bob and the business all the success in the future.”
