F1 Appoints Howell Head Of Global Comms

Formula One has appointed Norman Howell as director of global communications and takes up the position with immediate effect, reporting to Sean Bratches, managing director, commercial operations.

He brings more than 30 years’ experience in the international sports communications and media markets to Formula One. For the past two years, Howell has held the head of digital role at Formula One, coordinating the sport’s digital and social media output.

Prior to that, he 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 has experience in the motorsports industry having previously worked as director of communications at the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, media director at Formula One 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.

He began his career as a journalist at The Sunday Times, writing for the business and foreign sections, before taking on roles as deputy sports editor, Formula One correspondent and winter sports correspondent.

Howell’s editorial experience also extends to Red Bull, where he set up the publishing framework for the business, leading to the establishment of the international lifestyle magazine, The Red Bulletin.

Sean Bratches, managing director, commercial operations at Formula One said: “I am pleased to name Norman as Formula One’s new director of global communications. As we embark on an exciting new chapter in Formula One’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 One’s appeal and proactively engage the marketplace to elevate the exciting changes that we are envisioning and implementing.” 

Norman Howell added: “I am delighted to take on this important role within Formula One, a sport which I love because it has such a rich history but is evolving in new ways. 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 One 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.”