Chloe Todd – The Strategic Visionary Behind McLaren Racing’s Leadership Evolution
In the high-octane world of Formula 1, strategy is as vital as speed. Among the key figures steering McLaren Racing’s modern resurgence is Chloe Todd, a name synonymous with strategic leadership, precision, and organisational excellence. As Executive Director of Business Strategy and Chief of Staff to the CEO, she has played a pivotal role in translating McLaren’s racing passion into boardroom success. Chloe Todd’s journey—from drama student to one of the most influential women in motorsport management—is a story of adaptability, creativity, and leadership.
Early Life and Education: The Foundations of a Dynamic Leader
Academic Background of Chloe Todd
Chloe Todd’s academic path is both unique and inspiring. She began her education at Taunton School (1994–2007) and later attended Queens College, Taunton (2007–2009), where her leadership potential began to take shape. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Theatre Arts at Goldsmiths, University of London, graduating with a 2:1 grade. During her time at Goldsmiths, she actively participated in the Drama Society and served as Vice-Captain of the Netball Club, reflecting her balance of creativity and teamwork.
Her passion for communication and performance led her to complete an MA in Acting at East 15 Acting School in 2013. This foundation in the performing arts later became one of her greatest strengths in corporate leadership—giving her a deep understanding of human interaction, presentation, and emotional intelligence.
Career Journey: From Brand Experiences to Formula 1 Strategy
Early Professional Roles
Before joining McLaren, Chloe Todd built her professional foundation within the dynamic world of sports and event marketing.
She began her career in 2014 as an Assistant to the CEO and CFO at CSM Sport & Entertainment, one of the most respected names in global sports consultancy. There, she developed key operational and management skills that prepared her for leadership in high-pressure environments.
She later joined Just Marketing Inc. in 2015 as an Executive in Event Marketing, where she was deeply involved in major sponsorship and motorsport events. This experience gave her hands-on exposure to the commercial and creative sides of sports management.
In 2016, Chloe became part of the Chime Group’s Innovate Board, a network fostering innovation across sports and communications. This exposure to cross-sector strategy and creative leadership shaped her corporate perspective.
The McLaren Era: Accelerating to the Top
Chloe Todd joined McLaren Technology Group in July 2017, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would see her rise through the ranks of one of the most prestigious teams in Formula 1.
Guest Management and Marketing Excellence
Her first role as Guest Manager for Grand Prix and Marketing allowed her to refine McLaren’s guest and hospitality experience, integrating luxury, brand image, and fan engagement at the highest level. Within two years, she was promoted to Head of Guest Management in 2019, a role that placed her in charge of orchestrating VIP experiences and major partnership events across the global Formula 1 calendar.
Strategic Projects and Organisational Growth
By 2020, Chloe’s analytical and strategic skills were recognised when she was appointed Lead of Strategic Projects. She contributed to operational transformation, internal communications, and strategic planning across departments. Her ability to translate executive objectives into actionable programmes positioned her as a trusted strategic advisor.
Rise to Chief of Staff and Executive Director
Her leadership trajectory within McLaren is remarkable:
-
Associate Director, Chief of Staff to the CEO (Dec 2021 – Dec 2023)
-
Director, Chief of Staff to the CEO (Dec 2023 – Apr 2024)
-
Executive Director, Chief of Staff to the CEO (Apr 2024 – Feb 2025)
-
Executive Director, Business Strategy & Chief of Staff (Jan 2025 – Present)
As Chief of Staff to CEO Zak Brown, Chloe Todd has become instrumental in aligning McLaren’s corporate vision with its operational and performance goals. She oversees strategic execution, internal communication, and leadership coordination, ensuring that McLaren’s competitive spirit translates seamlessly from the racetrack to the boardroom.
Leadership Style and Strategic Vision
Human-Centred Leadership
Chloe Todd’s leadership is defined by empathy, structure, and clarity. Her acting background provides her with a refined sense of human behaviour—an asset in managing high-performance teams. She fosters collaboration, open communication, and a results-driven mindset.
Strategic Thinking and Innovation
As Executive Director of Business Strategy, Chloe has played a crucial role in defining McLaren’s post-pandemic strategic roadmap. This includes strengthening corporate partnerships, enhancing brand experience, and embedding sustainability within the organisation’s long-term goals. Her approach combines creativity and analytical precision—qualities that mirror McLaren’s reputation for technological excellence.
The Significance of Chloe Todd at McLaren Racing
Chloe Todd’s journey is symbolic of a new generation of leadership within motorsport—one that values diversity, communication, and adaptability as much as engineering and finance. Her career represents the evolution of Formula 1 management, where business strategy and brand storytelling are as vital as on-track performance.
She bridges multiple worlds—arts and analytics, creativity and structure, performance and precision. This rare combination enables her to translate McLaren’s corporate objectives into experiences that inspire fans, partners, and employees alike.
Lessons from Chloe Todd’s Career Path
-
Adaptability is Power – Transitioning from the performing arts to corporate strategy shows the value of transferable skills.
-
Communication Builds Leadership – Her background in acting underpins her ability to lead, negotiate, and inspire.
-
Strategic Growth Requires Consistency – Her steady progression through McLaren’s leadership ladder is a masterclass in professional development and patience.
-
Women in Motorsport Leadership – Chloe Todd is part of a growing movement of women transforming the narrative in Formula 1’s executive leadership, inspiring future generations.
FAQs
1. Who is Chloe Todd?
Chloe Todd is the Executive Director of Business Strategy and Chief of Staff to the CEO at McLaren Racing, where she supports CEO Zak Brown in executing corporate strategy, operations, and leadership coordination.
2. How long has Chloe Todd worked at McLaren Racing?
She has been with McLaren since 2017, progressing through several roles including Head of Guest Management, Lead of Strategic Projects, and Chief of Staff, before becoming Executive Director in 2025.
3. What is Chloe Todd’s educational background?
Chloe holds a BA in Drama and Theatre Arts from Goldsmiths, University of London, and an MA in Acting from East 15 Acting School—a foundation that strengthened her communication and leadership abilities.
4. What makes Chloe Todd’s career unique?
Her journey from a background in acting to senior leadership in Formula 1 demonstrates exceptional adaptability and emotional intelligence—skills that have been crucial in managing strategy and high-performance teams.
5. What role does Chloe Todd play at McLaren Racing today?
As Executive Director, Business Strategy & Chief of Staff, she drives strategic initiatives, oversees executive projects, and ensures seamless alignment between McLaren’s racing operations and corporate objectives.
Conclusion
Chloe Todd exemplifies how creative intelligence and strategic discipline can coexist in one powerful professional. From the theatre stage to the McLaren Racing boardroom, her career showcases an extraordinary journey driven by vision, empathy, and precision. As Executive Director of Business Strategy and Chief of Staff to the CEO, she continues to shape the future of McLaren Racing, ensuring that its legacy of innovation extends far beyond the racetrack.
