Formula 1 has announced the appointment of Norman Howell as its director of global communications. Howell takes up the position with immediate effect, reporting to Sean Bratches, managing director, commercial operations.
Howell brings more than 30 years’ experience in the international sports communications and media markets to F1. For the past two years, Howell has held the head of digital role at F1, coordinating the sport’s digital and social media output.
Prior to that, Howell was head of sport at production company Pulse Films, where he specialised in helping brands to reach new audiences across multiple content driven channels, including social and broadcast. He also has extensive experience in the motorsports industry having previously worked as director of communications at the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, media director at Formula 1 as well as head of communications at McLaren. Howell also served as Vice President, Corporate Communications EMEA at Ultimate Fighting Championship, where he was responsible for the development and implementation of the company’s marketing and communications plans across EMEA.
“I am pleased to name Norman as Formula 1’s new director of global communications,” said Sean Bratches, managing director, commercial operations at Formula 1. “As we embark on an exciting new chapter in Formula 1’s history, Norman brings a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the newly enhanced leadership team.
“His extensive and demonstrated experience leading communications strategies for many of the world’s most prestigious motorsport brands, together with his background as a journalist and social media specialist, align well with our objectives to broaden Formula 1’s appeal and proactively engage the marketplace to elevate the exciting changes that we are envisioning and implementing.”
“I am delighted to take on this important role within Formula 1, a sport which I love because it has such a rich history but is evolving in new ways,” added Howell. “I look forward to working with the team as we build on the passion and interest shown by millions of fans across the world. Formula 1 has an exciting and innovative vision for the sport. We want fans to get closer to the action on and off the track, with new levels of entertainment and engagement. If we can do this, Formula 1 will continue to be one of the biggest sporting brands in the world.”
