JLR creative chief Gerry McGovern formally leaves the company

JLR creative chief Gerry McGovern will officially leave the company at the end of March, Autocar UK has reported. In December last year, Autocar India broke the news that he was asked to step down after more than two decades working on the Jaguar and Land Rover brands. McGovern, who was also a former board member, will leave the company to establish his own creative consultancy.

1. McGovern was key in shaping Defender, Range Rover and Discovery design language 
2. Former creative chief and board member to now set up his own creative consultancy 

Gerry McGovern's role at JLR

McGovern’s departure comes at a critical juncture for JLR as it continues to execute its multi-brand transformation strategy, which includes electrification across all its marques and a sharper focus on high-margin luxury segments. Further information regarding his new consultancy isn't yet known, but details will no doubt be released when he leaves JLR at the end of the month.

McGovern was considered a hugely influential figure on the JLR board and was a favourite of the late Ratan Tata, former chairman of the wider Tata Group. The Coventry-born designer has played a crucial role in JLR's recent history, including the 2021 Reimagine strategy. Key contributions include the reinvention of the Defender, shaping the design language of Range Rover and Discovery range and overseeing the design of the Type 00 Concept as part of Jaguar's transition to an electric-only luxury car maker.

A quote from McGovern read, “It has been a great privilege to work at JLR across two extraordinary decades, and I would like to thank the Tata family in particular for the opportunities they gave me.

“The dedication and passion of thousands of people across the business have made these brands what they are today, and I am enormously proud of what we have built together. I look forward to the next chapter of my creative career.”

JLR CEO PB Balaji, who took over from Adrian Mardell at the end of last year, added: “Gerry’s creative leadership, vision, drive and passion have left an indelible stamp on our brands. I would like to thank Gerry for the significant contribution he has made to JLR and wish him every success in his next creative chapter.”