The NextEV NIO Formula E team has confirmed that Gérry Hughes will take over the day-to-day running of the operation on a permanent basis.
Hughes joined NextEV in December 2015 as chief race engineer, having previously worked in Formula 1 with the likes of Red Bull, Jordan and Super Aguri. Hughes also enjoyed a stint in IndyCar with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.
Hughes was made acting team principal of NextEV following the death of Dr. Martin Leach last November, but will now take over the role on a permanent basis.
Hughes will also become the head of NIO’s performance program, which comes following the launch of its all-electric EP9 hypercar in December.
“Taking on the role of project lead for both the Formula E team and EP9 supercar programs will include new challenges for me, but they are challenges that my team and I relish,” Hughes said.
“I must thank everyone at NIO for their support and confidence in me during this transitional period. I am extremely honored that William Li and Lihong Qin have given me this opportunity and I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that both programs are a success going forwards.”