WOKING, UK —McLaren Racing has appointed Mark Waller to the new position of managing director, sales and marketing, as the Formula 1 team steps up its focus on developing the brand and global partnerships.

Waller will oversee all aspects of McLaren’s commercial and marketing activity, reporting to CEO Zak Brown. He joins from the NFL, where he has been a senior executive for the past 13 years, including as CMO and, latterly, EVP responsible for international growth outside the US.

Waller has also worked at Diageo, where he was EVP for consumer strategy and marketing for North America, and as a regional director for Guinness.

Brown said: “Securing Mark in this new role is another important step in our long-term plan and I’m pleased someone of Mark’s experience and stature has decided to come to McLaren. His energy, insight and imagination will contribute to McLaren staying at the forefront of the commercial and marketing landscape, not only in Formula 1 but also in sport, lifestyle and technology.”

Waller added: “The McLaren name is among the most powerful sports brands in the world, steeped in human endeavour, technology, innovation and creativity. Allied to the exciting evolution of Formula 1 as a modern global sports property and the long-term ambitions of McLaren, this was an opportunity I couldn’t refuse. I look forward to joining the team.”