Gerry McGovern OBE — the creative force behind the modern Jaguar reinvention (and the man who reshaped Range Rover and Defender) — was the subject of a media storm over speculation that he had left JLR, a move now denied in an official statement from the car maker.
Multiple reputable outlets, including Autocar, reported that he was “asked to leave with immediate effect.” But no official announcement came from JLR, and the leadership pages weren’t updated. For someone who has shaped JLR design for more than two decades, that silence was striking.
Now Jaguar have broken their silence releasing very simple statement:
“It is untrue that we have terminated Gerry McGovern’s employment, and we do not intend to further comment on speculative stories.”
JLR Press Office
So, JLR has now spoken, and we are probably left feeling like we have more questions than answers as to how such a story broke and spread like wildfire in the first place. Was a disagreement resolved? Gardening leave? Was it all a media stitch-up? We will probably never know, and of course, none of this means he won’t be leaving, still, of course. But with the constant social media trolling around the brand, perhaps this was the latest attempt to discredit the re-imagination of Jaguar.
However, in the meantime, it is back to business as usual as we await news of the new Jaguar GT and that news is coming very soon.
Who is Professor Gerry McGovern OBE?
Gerry McGovern OBE is one of Britain’s most influential automotive designers, known for reshaping the identities of Land Rover, Range Rover, and Jaguar while contributing to some of the UK’s most recognisable vehicles across a four-decade career.
McGovern began his career at Chrysler UK before joining the Austin Rover Group, where he played a key role in the design of the MG F, one of the brand’s most iconic modern sports cars. He also contributed to the styling of several Rover models during the company’s 1980s and early 1990s transition.
His first major Land Rover project was the original Land Rover Freelander, launched in 1997 — a breakthrough compact 4×4 that became a huge commercial success and helped expand the brand into new markets. McGovern later worked in the United States with Ford’s Lincoln-Mercury division before returning to Land Rover to lead the company’s design renaissance.
As Land Rover’s Design Director, and later JLR’s Chief Design Officer and Chief Creative Officer, McGovern oversaw the creation of some of the brand’s defining modern products, including:
- Range Rover Evoque – a landmark model that became a global design sensation.
- Range Rover Velar – celebrated for its reductive, modernist form.
- Current Range Rover (L460) – a flagship that set the tone for JLR’s luxury direction.
- Land Rover Defender (L663) – the high-stakes reinvention of the iconic Defender for the 21st century.
- Discovery and Discovery Sport – updated with the brand’s premium design language.
Beyond individual models, McGovern engineered the strategic shift that separated Range Rover, Defender and Discovery into distinct luxury and lifestyle brands — the “House of Brands” framework. More recently, he led the radical reinvention of Jaguar, crafting its all-electric, ultra-luxury design identity and introducing a bold new visual language for the marque.
Awarded an OBE in 2020 for services to automotive design, McGovern is widely recognised not only for his products but for redefining design as a strategic force within JLR. His influence spans concept vision, brand shaping, and the transformation of Land Rover and Range Rover into global luxury icons.
47 Responses
Wow ! Nearly a year from the Reimagine Strategy’s launch and now this ! It will certainly help keep the Jguar Brand trending but what it will ultimately mean we will await all agog !
You have to read such statements very carefully they will have been crafted by a legal team.
He may not have been terminated which could mean garden leave or his leaving terms have not yet been agreed
If he does leave he will be bound by a NDA
Hard to see any of them who have ruined the company and cost many good people there livelihood surviving nor should they
It seems a pity that he won’t be there to see his project through after such a massive and expensive exercise to develop the brand’s future.
It seems too late to do a U-turn even though the drive towards 100% EV production looks set to be a bumpy one, but it’s hard to imagine this issue isn’t in some way connected with his departure.
An English investor needs to come forward and effectively dispense with the utter nonsense EV policy; going forward we ned a range of ICE V-12 cars that look and perform like a Jaguar. 👌👌👍👍
👍👏👍
Jaguar showrooms are good indicator of how things are going.
Sadly I can see Jaguar ending up in Chinese hands as this seems to be the way this country is going I cannot understand while starmer says China is a threat they seem to have got a giant foot into lots of things in this country now a massive embassy the size of Buckingham Palace
Sad days to come I feel for the famous name of Jaguar but I will still keep my ” proper” Jaguar XJ6 S3!!
One of many that should be marched out of the building after what they have done to JLR
Absolutely on the money!
Does this come on the back of the goverments road tax on EV’s. As going all electric seemed so premature.
In my opinion, McGovern’s designs were more about style over substance. In moving the LR products more into lifestyle statements rather than practical vehicles, the approach has been very successful commercially, so hats off in that regard. That philosophy didn’t convince me when applied to Jaguar.
If his removal had happened 4-5 years ago maybe Jaguar could have gone in a different direction. But now – what? The new cars have been delayed and delayed, the cyber attack made things worse and the main person identified with the new line-up has gone without even the first car being on sale. What a mess.
To my mind, this means the end of the Jaguar Reimagine programme, which was flawed right from the very beginning, even though some people seem to have bought into it. Why move the marque upmarket and move into the sector presently occupied by Aston Martin amongst others? Does nobody at JLR know the difficulty they have had over many, many years to make a profit? Although I have loved Jaguars since I was old enough to know what a car is and have driven them for almost 20 years now, I fear that the brand will die. Who will be persuaded to return to the showrooms, when they have not been manufacturing cards for what will, I’m sure, be at least a 2 year period? This is all very sad, not only for the many Jaguar lovers out there, but also for the country’s economy
Whilst at a personal level I have some sympathy with the guy, at a business level his departure was long overdue. The whole 00 project has been mismanaged from the start, nobody buys concept cars so why the hype, also the gestation period of the real thing has been so long that when it finally arrives in the showrooms it will be an anticlimax. Until I see one I won’t comment on the design other than to say not another EV!!
Your decision to come forward is very courageous and to be applauded. Treating your staff with respect and consideration is important and essential,
for keeping your staff and it helps them to do a good job by maintaining their morale at high levels. I can tell you this as someone who employs a number of people myself.
I am still stunned by the quality of the type 00 and at the same time astonished at how a car design can be influenced by a shoe box. Also trying to force market acceptance on the buying public is a very dangerous concept. The buying public, inspite of many and perhaps correct indications that the ICE power plants are polluting the atmosphere and contributing to global warming do not want electrically powered vehicles. The one size fits all is not at all a recipe for market success and there should be a broader approach. The type 00 is a great exercise in design but not for a commercial success.
He certainly humiliated himself with Type 00. I understand the need to ‘reimagine’ the brand but the vision and concept is frankly, ridiculous. I think new JLR boss Balaji from TATA recognises this and has swiftly dispensed with the man behind it. At this moment, I do think Jaguar is on the precipice. Consumers are simply not buying into £150K EVs. Just look at how Porsche has pivoted following the financially disastrous Taycan programme. Trump’s anti-EV stance in the USA torpedoes JLR’s strategy for export, not to mention the tariffs. I think that Balaji is already reimagining the ‘Reimagine’ strategy but the fact remains that after 2035, no ICE vehicles can be sold in the UK or EU. It’s a horrible situation to be in for such an automotive icon. I can only hope that my beloved XKR will endure for generations to come!
The ban on new ICE vehicles will hopefully be consigned to the dustbin when we get rid of the current government.
The EU have now pushed back the phase out ICE cars to 2040 a decade later than the UK.
His past success still stands but he was responsible for the design of the tasteless Typo aimed at a non existent market, fawning to the super wealthy and sticking his fingers up to the company’s heritage, customers and pride (no pun intended) It can’t have been a surprise to him that his days were numbered.
The folly of sole EV. Sure most people can accept a pragmatic change, but Jaguar needs to go through shades of black before it gets to shades of green and therefore if the brand is to survive it needs appropriate internal combustion engines that customers relate to and will buy.
I can’t think of anyone I know who bought into the sole Jaguar EV project. People just laughed at the “pink thing”. If Jaguar persists with a sole EV ambition it will fail, so maybe its not too late to set a new plan and a more reliable path forward. I own 2 Jaguar’s but wouldn’t ever go for an EV.
Couldn’t agree more. My “S” type and XKR sports cars have style and like other models were desired and sought after- as were almost all Jaguar vehicles.!
The “Pink thing” was monstrous and I never found another Jaguar owner that would give it any points out of 10 !!!
I think we have to be very careful not to speculate as to the sudden departure because we do not yet know the reasons or the evidence behind the decision but whatever the reason it must be extremely serious for such a peremptory departure especially in respect of employment rights. It could be personal in relation to conduct or a policy disagreement but we simply don’t know. In any event, I am very concerned about the future of Jaguar. My family and I have been buying Jaguars since 1949 when my father bought a new MKV. I just hope it doesn’t go the way of so many other illustrious marques.
I agree. Let us wait for some evidence and hope that we do not have to wait for long. This uncertainty is not doing Jaguar – or its devoted enthusiasts – any good.
My God! Sir William Lyons would have roasted the management. JLR needs the Alex Ferguson “hair dryer” treatment to refocus.
BYD etc al are already here and will wipe the floor with all the European manufacturers shortly if JLR haven’t noticed
Thank goodness I bought my XJ8 SOVEREIGN in 2001 which is still beautiful reliable car.
32000 miles in mint condition.
Grace space and pace indeed.
Daily driver then.
You are hardly the target demographic though ….
Couldn’t agree more Geoffrey. My “S” type and XKR sports cars have style and like other models were desired and sought after- as were almost all Jaguar vehicles.!
The “Pink thing” was monstrous and I never found another Jaguar owner that would give it any points out of 10 !!!
Very sorry to hear that
These Corporate people come and go. Never heard of him before, but single handily he and the new marketing people have finished a well established brand. I have old historic Jaguars – including E types – amongst many other marques, but I’ve never been interested in newer Jaguars – as are my three sons. He will move to other ventures and sell his stories and continue his “career”, but sadly the brand that had such heritage has been ridiculed and destroyed.
“I’ve never been interested in newer Jaguars”.
There, in a nutshell is the issue. Jaguar had a (literally) dying demographic and were rescued in the short term by the advent of their SUV’s which have propped up the brand since 2017. Car manufacturers survive by selling new cars, end of story. It doesn’t matter how many old codgers get misty eyed over their old XJ’s ( a car that had ceased to sell by the end) the fact is that the brand had to change to survive.
Totally agree
If everything l am reading here is correct about his attitude to his staff, that is reason alone for his sacking.
Somehow l doubt that this is the case and the mockery that he caused with his woke advert and his ridiculous design are more likely to be a more realistic reason.
I just hope that JLR can salvage something of their reputation by showing the door to, this arrogant buffoon.
I have ICE Jaguars and have done so for many many years.
Long may they reign.
I will continue to support them IF they manage to salvage their reputation.
It is a big ask…
We seem to be marching into total E V oblivion. The Chinese may not invade us ,but Omoda Jaecoo, and all the other cheap copies have influenced the market place by the P C H way of running a vehicle. If this government who are totally unaware and unable to run the country as the lack of experience is plain to see ,it is to be hoped that we will all run our ICE Jaguars until we pass.
Technology moves on much as you may object
Jaguar made its name and reputation making beautiful cars and selling them at realistic affordable prices,
The so called new team have done the complete opposite. The new design is an ugly box at best, and as for the proposed price range of £150K.
How many people can afford to spend this amount of money on any vehicle. Sorry Jaguar, you have lost the plot. I’m only hoping that it is not to late to salvage something from the situation, as I have followed Jaguar from being a child.
You are so right Stephen, Jaguar had a wonderful reputation of beautiful cars at realistic prices. Not hand built beauties like Astons and Bentleys but spectactular bargains like the E type, XJ6 vatiants and more recently the XF, XE and modern XKs. EVs are not the answer in the UK, the Chinese will dominate that market with family boxes. Jaguar should look to how Porsche are developing ICEs. Seeing a Jag Mk1 in 1957 sealed my fate.
Best Wishes
Mike
I totally agree with Stephen. Jaguar made high performance and luxury vehicles at an affordable price, with a touch of class. This is no longer so, thanks to guys like Mc Govern. I am afraid that Jaguar will share the fate of most of the british brands.
( I have enjoyed XJ’s for more than 20 years and I now drive a petrol XE)
Sadly, the writing has been on the wall since the re-imagined Jaguar first became public. Mixed reactions, to put it kindly, are not characteristic of new Jaguar announcements. All the landmark Jaguar models launched have received rave reviews, with potential buyers having to ‘form an orderly queue’ to get one. The possible exception was the change of direction associated with the XJS but that still had more than sufficient Jaguar DNA to carry it through the oil crisis and the doldrums of the British Leyland years. Jaguar has always been a car people have aspired to, priced just within reach of those on less than mega incomes and, no doubt bolstered by motorsport success. How often was it asked how Jaguar managed to produce the cars they did down to the sale price?
It seems that the current re-imagining has successfully sanitised all that attracted people to the brand, even down to the familiar and hallowed leaper and growler. The price pitching has elevated Jaguar beyond the point of being aspirational to the majority of working people and into territory already occupied by new brands in the US. Many enthusiastic Jaguar owners buy and cherish used vehicles but, given the life expectancy and huge replacement cost of li-on batteries, that market seems doubtful too – relegating electric vehicles to recyclable commodities.
Is it possible that a new vehicle, with recognisable Jaguar DNA, can be designed and marketed within a reasonable timeframe, or has Tata delayed the programme before eventually cutting their enormous losses?
Amen
Aaaamen
Aaaaaaamen
Amen
Amen!
Hopefully this spiritual comment can be posted as a lifetime JEC member and has owned over 40 Jaguars and Zland Rovers since NEW!
Gtjoey1314
Why has it taken Jaguar so long to deny and issue a rather bemusing statement. Anyway that’s up to them, meanwhile some of us are moving on. The business just seems a chaotic mess. A pal of mine just bought an Aston Martin, impressive car. I really enjoyed driving it. Arguably just as much if not more heritage to go with the brand that feels as British as anything does. Rhetorical statement.
Maybe that’s the way I will go as well. As some one else said in previous posts Jaguar need a range that includes ICE engines, or at least 1 ICE engine, excluding them will just turn people away. Sole EV will be no good for Jaguar, it won’t survive. I will keep my XjS & X350. I still enjoy them. But the allure of an Aston does get me excited.
Nice legal denial – so they sacked him 😉
So it all turns out to be false news!
What made this shambles ten time worse was JLR’s bizarre delay in responding
By the time they did it had already spread like wildfire across the world onto millions of screens.
More incompetence!
I dispair
“To further comment” is a split infinitive. Did this comment really come from Jaguar’s press office? To comment further would be superfluous.
Nice one.
I spent most of my (academic) career explaining that ‘to boldly go…’ is incorrect. But the line became so famous it took on a life of its own.
For those wondering, to ignorantly split an infinitive is a practice to religiously avoid.
Nothing to do with Jaguars of course. And only linked to JLR through their press office.
And it took that office the best part of a week to come up with a statement?
No one has commented upon the split infinitive contained within the announcement.
Standards have dropped all round !!
A lot of ranting going on about JLR and the EV transition!
Gerry cannot be blamed for that!
The EV mandate was somehow created by various governments around the world including ours, the Tories at the time, these various governments decided on 2035 as an end of ICE ( internal combustion engines ).
Some countries introduced a grace period for hybrids and some didn’t.
JLR like it’s competitors had to make decisions, big decisions indeed!
Do we go all in EV or temporary hybrid until cut-off.
The costs are horrendous, to not only develope new platforms but also develope new everything (motors, batteries, regen systems etc)
This not only takes money it takes time and the clock is ticking, the cut off date for the UK was 2035 but this current lot in government pulled it forward to 2030 ( that is 4 years time ).
Tango man has pushed the USA date back and is actively encouraging drill baby drill and make ICE cars.
Germany are expected to push 2035 to 2040 before the new year!
The very existence of Automotive manufacturing in the UK/EU is on a cliff edge.
JLR included is not because of Gerry or the Pink car but because of governmental decisions that were not thought out!
People need to realise and blame those in power and hopefully it’s not too late!
We need to move the cut off date asap
I have been driving and owning jaguars since the early sixtees and i now fear for the brand after seeing the oo car.