Charlotte Sefton joins Extreme E as Head of Communications
Charlotte brings a wealth of experience to the series, having spent almost eight years at McLaren, where she played an integral role leading the Formula 1 outfit’s communications team, as well as promoting the company's expansion into IndyCar and Extreme E.
Charlotte also has valuable knowledge of working in women's motorsport, having served as Head of Communications for W Series, the all-female single-seater racing championship.
“I'm thrilled to be joining Extreme E at such an exciting time for the series," said Charlotte. "As a passionate advocate for equal opportunities and visibility for women in motorsport, not only as drivers but in all roles, I'm particularly impressed by the unique gender equality pillar that is at the heart of Extreme E's mission.
“There’s a huge story to tell around Extreme E – the series continues to be a pioneer in terms of creating a level playing field for women in motorsport, and I’m so excited to be a part of it.”
Extreme E is the world’s first all-electric off-road racing series, which takes place in some of the most remote and environmentally sensitive locations around the world. The series is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and promoting sustainability, as well as being the first motorsport series that mandates both a male and female driver in each of its ten teams.
Charlotte added: “In addition to equality and diversity, what makes Extreme E so unique are the stories we can tell around sustainability - raising awareness not only of climate change and environmental impact, but also what we can all do to mitigate their negative effects. As well as that, there’s the racing in remote and fascinating locations all around the world where we can all learn something from the local area, the people and the culture, and the positive lasting legacies within the local environment that are being created in these places.
“The roster of impressive names of drivers and brands with huge motorsport pedigree, world-leading technology and an incredibly entertaining race format are just part of what led to the conversations around me joining the series, Extreme E's innovative approach to racing is truly game-changing, and I can’t wait to be a part of a series that is pushing the boundaries of what's possible in motorsport."
Ali Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Extreme E, said: "Firstly, I’d like to thank Julia Wall-Clarke for leading the communications department thus far. Julia was part of our core team who launched this series, from little more than a powerpoint concept, to becoming one of the world’s most exciting sporting propositions. It’s been a fantastic journey together, and we now all wish Julia the best with her next chapter.
“We're all thrilled to welcome Charlotte to the Extreme E team. Her experience in motorsport at both McLaren and W Series, coupled with her passion for gender equality and sustainability, make her the perfect person to lead our communications efforts as we continue to grow and expand the series. We are delighted to have her on board."
Charlotte has already joined the team – replacing Julia Wall-Clarke, who will leave later this month – as Extreme E prepares for its second race event of 2023, the Hydro X Prix, taking place in Glenmuckloch on 13-14 May 2023.
