79. James Allen

James Allen, 54, joined Motorsport Network in July 2017 when he sold an interest in his digital content business and eponymous digital platform, ‘JA on F1’ to the group and subsequently took up a leading role in developing Motorsport Network’s branded content business. With today’s announcement, Motorsport Network has acquired the remaining interest in ‘JA on F1’ to become a fully integrated Network business.

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In his new post, James will broaden his remit to lead Motorsport Network’s ‘digital-first approach to its operations outside of the Americas, with a key mission to drive client value from the consolidation and alignment of the company’s significant portfolio of assets in both the automotive and motorsport sectors. The company today holds over 18m visual assets under management, owns the most extensive catalogue of international web properties in its industry verticals and is rapidly growing its linear and OTT television operations.

Since September 2018 he has been the Network’s President, based in London, helping the business to diversify from digital media into esports and gaming. He sits on the board of Motorsport Games, which was listed on the NASDAQ in January 2021.

He created the thought leadership video podcast strand #ThinkingForward, which runs on all editions of Motorsport Network’s websites in 15 languages. Allen speaks to leaders from across motorsport about topics such as sustainability, diversity and inclusion and future technologies, aimed at giving enthusiasts an understanding of the future direction of the sport.

He appeared in the 2019 Formula E film “And we go green”, directed by Fisher Stevens.

In 2019 James Allen was Executive Producer on the feature film ‘Motorsport Heroes’ written and directed by Manish Pandey, writer of the acclaimed movie ‘Senna’.

James grew up in a motorsport family as the son of Bill Allen, a class winner at Le Mans with Lotus in the 1960s. James began his own motorsport career with the Brabham F1 team in 1990, handling the team’s communications after completing a Masters in English & Modern Languages at Oxford University.

Allen consolidated his industry reputation as lead Formula 1 commentator with ITV, garnering three British Academy of Film & Television Awards (BAFTAs) during this period. He subsequently took on the post of the BBC’s F1 correspondent and for two decades, he also covered Formula 1 for the Financial Times.