Following a degree in mechanical engineering, Mark Preston joined Holden, the US’ General Motors company of Australia and experienced Formula racing for the first time through the Australian Formula Ford team, Spectrum Racing Cars.  With a later move to the UK, this experience was to stand Mark in good stead for his successful career in Formula 1, reaching leadership roles with; McLaren, Arrows & Super Aguri Honda.

Commercially, Mark is a prolific entrepreneur with several start-ups and university spin-outs to his credit, in which the future of Connectivity, Autonomy, Sharing and Electrification (CASE) in the fast changing automotive/mobility/transportation arenas have always been a focus for him.  Notably, Mark was instrumental in the successful spin-out of Oxford YASA Motors from Oxford University.

Having completed an MBA at Oxford in 2006, Mark’s technology research interests keep him closely involved with researchers at the university in; composites, marine energy, and electric motor design and engineering. Mark’s interest in Mobility as a Service (MaaS) and the technology that is enabling mobility and autonomy have resulted in him forming StreetDrone with his long-term friend and commercial collaborator, Mike Potts, in 2017.

Mark is well-known for his enthusiasm to showcase SMART Cities technology, and electrification in mobility.  A result of this passion has been Mark’s pivotal role in the establishment of the FIA Formula E World Driver’s Championship as Team Principal, with Jean-Eric Vergne, of the TECHEETAH Formula E (electric) Racing Team.