McLaren have announced the signing of Chelsea Football Club’s Steve Atkins, who will take up the role of chief communications officer at McLaren Racing.
Atkins has played a key role in the Blues chaotic summer following an ownership takeover by Todd Boehly, as the club’s official spokesperson, which saw some of Europe’s biggest stars sign for the current Club World Cup Champions.
Atkins was heavily involved in discussions with players like former Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling and centre back Kalidou Koulibaly, who both made big money moves to Stamford Bridge during the summer.
It was certainly a full-on summer for Atkins and Chelsea, who as well as being under new ownership, are also now under new management, following the shock sacking of Thomas Tuchel.
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Tuchel led Chelsea to UEFA Champions League glory in 2021, just five months into his tenure as the club’s manager.
He went on to lead the Blues to glory in the UEFA Super Cup in 2021 and the Club World Cup earlier this year; however, Boehly opted to sack the much-loved German following a poor start to the season.
Tuchel has since been replaced by former Brighton manager Graham Potter, with the side now in the process of searching for Atkins’ replacement, who has left a vital role to be filled.
Atkins will make the switch to the McLaren Racing executive team officially from 1st December 2022, where he will have to report directly to CEO Zak Brown, who is “very excited” to welcome Atkins to the team.
McLaren have certainly signed one of the best in the communications business, for which Atkins has over 30 years’ worth of experience in.
The soon-to-be McLaren employee has been named as football’s most influential communicator for the last three years in a row in PR Week’s Power Book, whilst also featuring as one of the top 10 most influential figures in the sports and entertainment category since 2016.
Atkins is clearly one of the best, if not the best communicator in sports, with McLaren all but certain to go from strength to strength as a result.
Atkins is “delighted” to be making the switch to a team with a “unique heritage”, whom he labels as an “impressive organisation”.
“I am delighted to take up the position of Chief Communications Officer at McLaren Racing, an iconic global brand with a unique heritage and outstanding core values,” said Atkins.
“I look forward to working with the hugely talented staff across this storied brand’s five race teams to deliver best-in-class communications for McLaren and its partners.
“As it heads towards its 60th anniversary, McLaren Racing still pushes tirelessly for greater success and seeks to find the advantage and competitive edge in everything it does. I’m thrilled to be joining such an ambitious, innovative and impressive organisation.”
Brown also shared his thoughts on the team’s exciting signing, who he expects to be a “great fit”.
“We are very excited to welcome Steve to the McLaren Racing leadership team as our new Chief Communications Officer,” said Brown.
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“Communications has never been more important as we look to achieve our ambitious growth plans.
“Steve is a fantastic leader and brings a wealth of communications experience from sport and government that will prove invaluable in helping us maximise opportunities and navigate any challenges.
“He has a proven track record of delivery in some of the toughest environments. I know he will be a great fit with the team and look forward to him joining and helping us create an exciting future for McLaren Racing.”