Williams appoint new head of finance.

WilliamsF1 confirmed the appointment of Chris Chapple as their head of finance today, commencing on January 25, 2005.

By virtue of his ten years of corporate finance experience, Chapple, Williams hope 'will bring a great depth of experience to the complexities of Formula One finances at an important juncture in the sport's future'.

"I would like to welcome Chris to WilliamsF1," said team boss, Frank Williams.

"In the next few years, the future of Formula One will be mapped out into the medium term, and Chris will play an important role in representing the financial interests of the company in these important decisions."

Chapple was educated at Lancing College and Oxford University and spent seven years in the Commando Units of the Royal Marines, seeing active service in Iraq, before crossing to civilian employment in London's Square Mile with Goldman Sachs.

In a five year period at Goldman Sachs, Chapple worked across a broad range of remits, including M&As, de-mergers, IPOs, financing and advisory projects. In 2001, he joined Marconi Plc, to lead a ?500m disposal programme and assist in the company's financial restructuring. In 2003, Chapple joined SUAL, one of Russia's largest companies, as chief development officer, taking responsibility for preparing the company for listing on the LSE, and headed the group's $200m investment programme.