Land Rover Design Boss Gerry McGovern Exits Role After 21 Years Amid Leadership Shake-Up: Report

Land Rover’s chief creative officer Gerry McGovern has reportedly stepped down after more than two decades with Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), marking a major shift in the company’s leadership structure. His exit comes at a time when JLR is going through a wider management review following the departure of former chief executive Adrian Mardell. The company has not issued a formal statement, but industry sources suggest McGovern’s position became less certain after PB Balaji took charge as chief executive on 17 November 2025. The move is viewed as part of a broader assessment of roles under the new leadership and follows changes within the Tata Group after the passing of Ratan Tata, who had supported McGovern’s work across the brands.

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Reports indicate that McGovern’s exit began to take shape soon after Balaji assumed control as part of a planned transition for the company. JLR is expected to refine its senior structure as it continues its internal restructuring. McGovern’s departure was considered possible following Mardell’s earlier exit and a shift in how design decisions were being aligned with new business priorities. The reshuffle reflects JLR’s push to simplify accountability in key areas across its operations.

Over his long tenure with the company, McGovern led several projects for the Range Rover, Discovery and Defender model lines. His work also included the Range Rover Evoque and Velar. He returned to Land Rover in 2004 as advanced design director before becoming chief creative officer in 2020, taking responsibility for design and brand strategy across Jaguar and Land Rover. His period in the role included production models and concept studies, including the Jaguar Type 00.

McGovern was also connected to Jaguar’s Panthera programme, an internal plan designed to redefine the brand’s position. The programme received mixed reactions from industry watchers, with some questioning whether the direction aligned with Jaguar’s previous identity and long-term product plans within the shift to electrification.

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JLR has not outlined how it plans to handle design responsibilities after his exit, as it continues to move forward with its electrification strategy and the brand separation of Jaguar and Land Rover.

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