NOTICE OF DEATH - DENYS ROHAN (1947 - 2024)

We regret to have to inform Members of the death last Saturday 9th March, of Honorary Member Denys Rohan at the age of 77.  Denys was Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Ltd from December 1993 until the end of 2000, becoming an Honorary Member earlier the same year in recognition of his unstinting efforts in the Club's interests.  Denys suffered a severe stroke last Christmas, against the effects of which he had valiantly battled.

A chartered accountant by profession, Denys had previously been a senior executive in the retail motor trade, notably with Heron Suzuki in the days of Barry Sheene. He agreed to join SCL at an extremely volatile time for the circuit business which resulted in him having to navigate the team through many ups and downs during his seven-year tenure.

One of Denys’s first challenges involved him managing a project that saw the circuit being realigned in only six weeks after the FIA and GPDA had introduced new safety measures following the fatal accidents of Roland Ratzenberger and Ayrton Senna at Imola in 1994.  Despite Denys having only been in his role for a few months he worked tirelessly to galvanise the Silverstone team and key contractors to ensure the work was ready for the  British Grand Prix that year which was won by Damon Hill and attended by Princess Diana. He also led the negotiations to settle the Club’s claims against Tom Walkinshaw in relation to the Silverstone Motor Group and played a major role in resisting the attempts by Nicola Foulston to acquire the circuit and the rights to the British Grand Prix.

In 1999 Denys joined Martin Brundle, Sir Frank Williams, and Sir Ron Dennis in a four-man strategy group to identify the best way forward for the BRDC, the recommendations from which helped to lay the groundwork for the success of the circuit business today.

Denys was a hard worker and truly dedicated to Silverstone and the BRDC.  His hands-on approach was admired and appreciated by his team of staff who had the utmost respect for him and remember him with great fondness. The BRDC offers its deepest condolences to Denys’s wife, Diane, to daughters Emma and Jasmine and their families. A Memorial Service in Denys’ honour will be held at Telford Crematorium, Woodhouse Lane, Redhill, TF2 9NJ on Wednesday 10 April at 1.30pm.  Following this there will be a Celebration of Denys’ life at Lilleshall House and Gardens, Pave Lane, Newport, Shropshire TF10 9LQ.  Members are welcome to attend.