Mr Macdonald joined the business in 2007, spending five years as chief financial officer before becoming CEO in 2012.

He will be replaced by current chief strategic officer Bob Laishley, who was the first appointment under owners VT Holdings, and has already been in the business for just over a year.

Mr Laishley is the former Nissan Global sportscar programme director and an engineer by training, with a proven track record in developing and delivering innovative new products.

During his 25 year tenure at Nissan he held various roles for the brand including program director for its OEM collaborations and sportscar divisions.

It was the latter role in which, from 2014, he oversaw the application of the marque’s world-famous NISMO racing expertise to mainstream performance road cars and held responsibility for the iconic GT-R and Z programmes.

During his period as CEO, Mr Macdonald steered the Caterham business through some difficult times including the F1 tilt and the exit of the Caterham/Renault Alpine JV program.

Recently he helped to ensure the long-term security of the business by overseeing the acquisition by VT Holdings.

He will leave the business with a healthy forward order book of almost 12 months.

Mr Macdonald has also embraced the product and the brand during his tenure, having owned several Caterham Sevens.

He has spent the last five years competing in the highly acclaimed motorsport championship, starting in the Academy series in 2017 and working right up to Caterham’s ultimate racing series, the CSCUK 420R Championship.

Mr Laishley said: “I would like to thank Graham, on behalf of everyone at Caterham, for his work over the last 15 years.

“He leaves the business in a strong position following our best ever sales year in 2021 and demand for the Seven at an all-time high.”

Mr Macdonald said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the customers, staff, dealers, shareholders and suppliers for their support throughout my time at Caterham.

“After 15 years at Caterham, 10 in the role of CEO, it feels like the right time to step away and retire.

“There’s been some massive highs and big challenges along the way, but I can honestly say I’ve relished every bit of my time at Caterham.

“I’m proud to be leaving the business with a healthy order book and wish Bob and the business all the success in the future.”

By Neil Dowling