Former Mercedes Power Unit chief Andy Cowell joins Aston Martin as new CEO

Aston Martin have signed former Mercedes Power Unit chief Andy Cowell as their Group Chief Executive Officer, replacing Martin Whitmarsh.

Cowell oversaw the production of the V6 hybrid power units that won six consecutive double world titles for Mercedes in his role before leaving his role as Managing Director in the summer of 2020.

He will join Aston Martin on October 1 with current Group CEO Martin Whitmarsh handing over responsibility “before the end of the year”.

The news comes as Aston Martin continue their bid to become a World Championship-winning team, with owner Lawrence Stroll pumping huge resource into a state-of-the-art facility, that will include a new wind tunnel.

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: (l-r) James Allison, Technical Director at Mercedes GP, — Cowell (pictured here in 2018 on the far right) was Power Unit chief at Mercedes

Engine guru Cowell’s arrival is timely as the team are set to embark on a works partnership deal with Japanese manufacturer Honda from 2026, when new Power Unit regulations that include the use of 100% sustainable fuels will be introduced.

“I would like to thank Martin who has been instrumental in our growth phase as a business,” said Lawrence Stroll. “In the last three years, he has developed the team and has helped us achieve some significant milestones, including fostering our relationship with Honda and delivering our state-of-the-art AMR Technology Campus at Silverstone.

“I am delighted to welcome Andy to our team at a crucial time. Together with our works partnership with Honda, the commitment from our title partner Aramco and Andy’s leadership we are on track to become a world championship winning team. Andy has my full backing and will have every resource available to win.”

Cowell said: “I am thrilled to join Lawrence’s exciting project and look forward to working with the talented group of people that has been assembled.

Martin Whitmarsh, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin Performance Technologies, portrait, — Cowell will be replacing Martin Whitmarsh as Group Chief Executive Officer

“F1 has always been my competitive passion, and I am joining Aston Martin Aramco at an exciting time with the imminent completion of the AMR Technology Campus and our transition in 2026 to a full works team with our strategic partners Honda and Aramco.”

Whitmarsh said: “I have known Andy for many years and brought him to Mercedes HPP in 2004 where he became Managing Director between 2013 and 2020, achieving huge success in the business and sport. He will be an incredible asset to Aston Martin Aramco and will make a significant contribution to the execution of our strategy going forward.

“Andy’s arrival in October and the completion of the AMR Technology Campus will allow me to step away and focus on other projects in my life, knowing that the foundations have been established with an impressive team, inspiring vision and advanced facilities to achieve success in F1.”