Sudden Exit for Jaguar’s Creative Chief
Gerry McGovern, Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Creative Officer and longtime design legend, has reportedly been fired. Multiple sources claim he was asked to leave immediately — with some even reporting he was “escorted out.”
JLR has not issued an official statement, but the move ends a 21-year legacy that helped define the brand’s modern identity.
His Resume? Iconic.
McGovern’s design influence stretches across British automotive history. He led the reinvention of the Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery, and introduced the wildly successful Range Rover Evoque.
Most recently, he led the design of the Jaguar Type 00 Concept — a futuristic electric GT that captured global attention. That vehicle was meant to launch Jaguar’s next chapter. Now, its chief architect is no longer part of the story.
Big Changes at the Top
His dismissal follows the recent retirement of CEO Adrian Mardell and the arrival of PB Balaji from Tata Motors, JLR’s parent company.
Industry insiders suggest that Tata may be pushing for tighter creative control as it reshapes Jaguar into a premium electric brand. McGovern’s bold design vision may have clashed with new leadership priorities. His departure signals that creative leadership may now take a back seat to corporate strategy.
An Industry Icon
McGovern’s career spans decades. He worked at Ford, Chrysler, and Austin — where he was involved in iconic projects like the MG EX-E and MG F. In 2020, he received an OBE for his contributions to automotive design.
His sudden exit leaves a creative void just as Jaguar prepares for a high-stakes reinvention.
Bottom Line
Jaguar’s EV relaunch loses its design visionary at a critical moment.
The future of the Type 00 GT — and Jaguar’s overall design direction — now hangs in the balance.
Expect a major shift in tone, strategy, or both.
