Gary Foote
CIO of GM Performance Power Units driving Cadillac’s Formula 1 power unit ambition.
Why book Gary Foote for your next event
- Leads all technology for GM Performance Power Units, building the systems behind Cadillac’s next-generation F1 power unit.
- Former CIO of Haas F1 for 10 years, scaling a start-up team into a competitive, data-driven Formula 1 operation.
- Recognised among the UK’s top 100 CIOs five consecutive years and Fellow of the British Computing Society.
Non-binding request for Gary Foote
Technology leadership at the heart of Formula 1 innovation
Gary Foote is Chief Information Officer at GM Performance Power Units, the company formed by General Motors and TWG Global to deliver a cutting-edge Formula 1 power unit for the Cadillac F1 programme. With more than two decades in elite motorsport and technology, Gary has helped shape championship-winning environments and ambitious start-ups alike. From Brawn GP and Mercedes AMG Petronas to a decade at Haas F1, he has consistently built the digital backbone that powers performance on and off the track.
Gary Foote – CIO at the forefront of Formula 1
Gary Foote is Chief Information Officer at GM Performance Power Units (GMPPU), a start-up created by General Motors and TWG Global. The mission is clear: to develop and supply Cadillac Formula 1 with the most advanced power unit the sport has seen. In an environment where milliseconds define success, Gary leads the technology strategy that underpins every decision, every simulation and every performance gain.
At GMPPU, he oversees all technology systems, services, software and teams. His responsibility spans infrastructure, data platforms, trackside systems and the digital ecosystem required to design, test and deliver a competitive Formula 1 power unit. In a sport driven by data, his role is central to building a best-in-class technology environment capable of supporting one of the most ambitious projects in modern motorsport.
Selected by the CEO for his ability to scale infrastructure rapidly, manage risk with precision and introduce innovative technology frameworks, Gary brings proven experience in guiding high-growth organisations through complex transformation.
From Cosworth to World Championships
Gary’s career began at Cosworth Technology, where he supported multiple racing series and developed a deep understanding of performance engineering. This foundation led him into Formula 1 with Honda Racing F1, and through the historic transition to Brawn GP. During this period, he contributed to a World Championship-winning environment.
He continued his journey at Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd, playing a part in an era that delivered multiple World Championship victories. Working in organisations that included drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher, Gary experienced first-hand how technology, data and culture combine to create sustained success at the highest level.
These experiences shaped his leadership philosophy: build resilient systems, empower expert teams and ensure technology becomes a competitive advantage rather than a support function.
Building Haas F1 from the ground up
Gary spent ten years as CIO and Director of Sustainability at the Haas F1 Team, the last true racing team to enter Formula 1. Joining at inception, he was instrumental in taking the team from start-up phase to a highly competitive operation.
He led all technology operations across factory and track, introducing cutting-edge systems and industry-leading innovation. His focus on data, digital integration and operational efficiency allowed the team to scale effectively in one of the most demanding environments in sport.
Under his leadership, Haas F1 built a modern, agile technology platform that supported engineering, simulation, manufacturing and race execution. His dual role as CIO and Director of Sustainability also reflected a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that performance and responsible operations progressed together.
Technology leadership in a data-driven era
Formula 1 today is defined by data. Millions of data points flow through systems every race weekend. The ability to capture, process and interpret this information can determine competitive edge. Gary’s expertise lies in designing environments where data moves seamlessly between design offices, simulation tools, factory floors and trackside engineers.
At GM Performance Power Units, this means creating a digital backbone capable of supporting advanced power unit development. From high-performance computing to secure, scalable infrastructure, every layer must function flawlessly. Gary ensures that the technology strategy aligns with performance goals, enabling engineers to push boundaries with confidence.
His approach combines rapid infrastructure scaling with disciplined risk management. In a start-up setting, where timelines are tight and expectations high, this balance is critical.
Recognition and industry influence
Gary’s contribution to technology leadership extends beyond the paddock. He is a Fellow of the British Computing Society, recognising his professional standing within the industry. He has also been named among the top 100 Chief Information Officers in the UK for five consecutive years, from 2021 to 2025.
In addition, Gary serves on the board of trustees of Tove Learning Trust and actively supports STEM education. His commitment to developing future talent reflects his belief that innovation begins with education and opportunity.
Book Gary Foote for your event
When you book Gary Foote for your event, you gain insight from a technology leader operating at the sharpest edge of global sport. He speaks on:
Scaling technology in high-performance start-ups
Digital transformation in data-driven environments
Leadership lessons from Formula 1
Innovation, risk management and infrastructure growth
Sustainability and technology in elite motorsport
Gary translates the intensity of Formula 1 into clear, practical lessons for business leaders, technology professionals and organisations navigating rapid change. His experience across championship-winning teams and ambitious start-ups makes his perspective both grounded and forward-looking.
For audiences seeking real-world insight into how world-class teams build, scale and perform under pressure, Gary Foote delivers a compelling and authoritative voice.
Keynotes
Keynote by Gary Foote:
Technology and Innovation
How advanced IT systems and AI drive performance in Formula 1
In Formula 1, performance is measured in milliseconds. Behind every lap is a digital ecosystem built to process vast volumes of data in real time. In this keynote, Gary Foote takes audiences inside the high-performance IT environments that power modern F1 teams — from advanced infrastructure and cloud platforms to AI-driven analytics and simulation tools.
Drawing on his experience across Brawn GP, Mercedes AMG Petronas, Haas F1 and now GM Performance Power Units, Gary explains how technology becomes a decisive competitive advantage. He shares how AI enhances decision-making, how resilient systems enable speed and precision, and how digital integration connects factory and track into one seamless operation.
Audience takeaways:
How to turn data into a strategic performance driver
Practical examples of AI supporting real-time decision-making
How to build scalable, secure IT systems in fast-moving environments
Lessons on aligning technology strategy with business ambition
Keynote by Gary Foote:
Sustainability in High-Performance Environments
Implementing sustainable practices within a global motorsport team
Sustainability and high performance can progress together. As former CIO and Director of Sustainability at Haas F1, Gary Foote led initiatives that embedded responsible practices into a fiercely competitive sporting environment.
In this keynote, he explores how sustainability can be integrated into operations without compromising speed or results. From digital optimisation and smarter resource use to cultural alignment and leadership accountability, Gary outlines how organisations can embed sustainable thinking into daily decision-making.
With insights from Formula 1’s evolving environmental targets, he demonstrates how innovation often accelerates when sustainability becomes part of the strategy.
Audience takeaways:
How to integrate sustainability into performance-focused cultures
Aligning environmental goals with operational efficiency
The role of leadership in driving long-term responsible change
Practical steps for embedding sustainability into technology strategy
Keynote by Gary Foote:
Leadership and Risk Management
Insights from leading teams and managing risk in high-stakes environments
Formula 1 is a constant balance between bold innovation and calculated risk. Decisions are made under intense pressure, with global visibility and significant financial stakes.
Gary Foote shares lessons from leading technology teams within championship-winning and start-up environments. He discusses how to create clarity in complex situations, manage risk without slowing innovation, and build trust across multidisciplinary teams.
Audiences gain a rare look at how structured risk management frameworks coexist with creativity and ambition — and how leaders can foster resilience when margins for error are minimal.
Audience takeaways:
A framework for managing risk in fast-paced industries
How to lead technical teams under pressure
Balancing innovation with governance and control
Building resilient, accountable team cultures
Keynote by Gary Foote:
Building & Scaling
How companies can successfully scale towards ambitious targets through technology, data, culture and vision
Launching a Formula 1 team or power unit programme demands rapid scaling, strategic clarity and technological precision. Having helped build Haas F1 from inception and now contributing to GM Performance Power Units, Gary understands what it takes to grow towards bold ambitions.
This keynote explores how organisations can scale infrastructure, talent and culture in parallel. Gary shares how aligning data strategy with long-term vision creates momentum, and how leadership must evolve as complexity increases.
From start-up mindset to operational excellence, he outlines the principles required to transform ambition into sustainable growth.
Audience takeaways:
Key principles for scaling technology and operations effectively
How to align culture and infrastructure during growth
Avoiding common pitfalls in rapid expansion
Turning vision into measurable execution
Keynote by Gary Foote:
Diversity and STEM Education
Promoting inclusivity and mentoring the next generation of engineers
Innovation thrives on diversity of thought. In a sport defined by precision engineering and advanced computing, attracting and developing diverse talent is critical to long-term success.
As a Fellow of the British Computing Society and trustee of Tove Learning Trust, Gary Foote is committed to supporting STEM education and broadening access to technology careers. In this keynote, he discusses why inclusivity strengthens performance and how organisations can create meaningful pathways for future engineers.
He shares practical insights on mentorship, outreach and leadership responsibility in building a more inclusive technology ecosystem.
Audience takeaways:
Why diversity drives stronger technical performance
How to build inclusive cultures within technical teams
Practical approaches to mentoring and STEM engagement
Leadership strategies for developing future talent pipelines
