In a Moment of Clarity, Jaguar Fires Its Chief Designer
- Published on 03/12/2025 6:55
- Modified on 03/12/2025 6:55
The divisive design of the Type 00 and the complete overhaul of Jaguar’s image have led to Gerry McGovern’s departure.
Jaguar officially ended the Gerry McGovern era this week. According to Autocar, the British designer, an iconic figure of the venerable English brand, was reportedly “escorted out of the offices” after 21 years spent shaping the visual identity of Jaguar and Land Rover. The exact reasons remain unclear, but the timing – just days after the arrival of the new CEO PB Balaji – leaves little doubt: this change in direction marks a desire to realign the brand’s style.
McGovern, originally from Coventry, had been a cornerstone of the group. Responsible for the modern reinvention of the Defender and maintaining the popularity of the four Range Rover models, he also spearheaded Jaguar’s electric transition. However, it is mainly the controversial Type 00 Concept that seems to have hastened his exit. Its bold design, sometimes deemed confusing, failed to resonate with the public or critics, and Jaguar’s recent rebranding campaign faced significant backlash.
Too far from Jaguar’s heritage
Before Jaguar, McGovern had already made his mark in the British and American automotive industries, working on the MG EXE, the MG F, the first Land Rover Freelander, and later on the Lincoln-Mercury brands for Ford in the United States. His return to the UK in 2004 to lead Land Rover and subsequently oversee the design for all of JLR was hailed as an excellent strategic decision.
The lingering question: will McGovern’s work stand the test of time? While some of his achievements, like the modern Defender or the Range Rover Velar, will continue to shine in the catalogs, the Type 00 Concept and the recent rebranding will remain, for many, a polarizing experience.
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With this departure, Jaguar turns an important page. The future of the English brand’s design may be written under more consensual lines.
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This page is translated from the original post "Dans un éclair de lucidité, Jaguar vire son designer en chef" in French.
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