Tickford has appointed motoring businessman Chris Stillwell as chairman of its racing and automotive arms.

Stillwell joins the Melbourne team with an extensive background in the automotive and motorsports industry, having spent 14 years as CEO of Stillwell Motor Group, currently serving as chairman on the Stillwell Family Board.

Chris is the son of Bib Stillwell, who founded the Stillwell Motor Group in 1949.

Under the guidance of Bib for half a century and his children and grandchildren the last two decades, SMG has formed successful business dealings in road cars, aviation, electronics and real estate in both Australia and the United States.

“Bib was also one of Australia’s top racing drivers in his day, winning four consecutive Australian Drivers’ Gold Star championships from 1962 to 1965.

Stillwell’s arrival as chairman will have no effect on the operation’s ownership structure of co-owners Rod Nash, Rusty French, and Sven Burchartz, nor the role of CEO Tim Edwards.

It’s great to be a part of the Tickford family,” said Stillwell.

“The automotive industry has been a part of my life since I started as a motor mechanic 44 years ago.

“Cars, and particularly race cars, have always been a huge passion of mine, so I am very excited to be joining the team.

“I’d describe Tickford very much as a strong, close, family style company.

“I have known many of the key stakeholders for a long time, so I know a bit about the structure within the business.

“Being involved in a family business as long as I have, I have learned a lot about how those dynamics work and how collaboration between directors and management can help a company achieve its goals.

“I understand the linkages between high Board performance and high organisational performance, and I believe my experiences and insights can help Tickford and Tickford Racing achieve more success on and off the track.”

Co-owner Nash believes Stilwell’s experience will prove valuable to Tickford.

“We’re very happy to announce that Chris will be joining us as chairman,” said Nash.

“He has a distinct background in the automotive industry and has played a big part in the success that Stillwell Motor Group has had over the years.

“He’s known Rusty (French) and Sven (Burchartz) for a long time and has great relationships with them, and is very passionate about cars and motor racing, which of course are central to our businesses.

“We believe Chris will be a great asset to the company, and we are glad to have him as part of the Tickford family.”

The announcement follows a significant reshuffle of the squad’s engineering department headlined by the promotion of Matt Roberts to team manager and Brad Wischusen to a head of engineering post.