Caterham CEO steps down, VT boss steps in

Sooner than expected, Bob Laishley departs Caterham with immediate effect

By Matt Bird / Thursday, 6 November 2025 / Loading comments

It’s been a busy period for Caterham of late. There’s been the opening of a smart new production facility, the introduction of the first turbo engine for the Academy race car, plus a preview of what electrification could offer with the Project V. During that time the entire operation has been led up by Bob Laishley; he was recruited as Chief Strategic Officer in 2021, then occupied the CEO/COO role from June 2022. Now he is to leave the company with immediate effect.

All that’s been said by Caterham of his departure is that Laishley has ‘stepped down’; there’s no word on whether he’s finally retiring, or moving to another business. There’s no comment from Laishley in the brief press release, either. Add to that the fact that PH received a tip off about the former Nissan man’s departure a couple of weeks ago and it does rather seem like it’s an abrupt exit. For the moment, the Dartford day-to-day will be dealt with by Trevor Steel, CFO and Operations Director; Kazuho Takahashi, president and founder of Caterham owners VT Holdings, will have to get some new business cards made up, as Caterham Chief Executive is now being added to his titles.

Takahashi added of the personnel change: “I would like to thank Bob, on behalf of everyone at Caterham, for his work over the last four years. He has played an important role in overseeing the move to our new global headquarters in Dartford and securing the long-term future of our iconic car.”

So that’s that. For the moment, it isn’t clear whether Takahashi will continue as permanent CEO, or if another replacement for Laishley will be sought. We’ll keep you posted. For now, PH wishes Bob all the best in his future endeavours; he was always good company whether at the factory or the track, and, more importantly, he is acknowledged to have made real and lasting changes at a firm he clearly loved. Caterham always felt in good hands with him at the helm; let’s hope that continues long into the future as well.