JLR will be faster on its feet under Tata: CEO

Jaguar and Land Rover will be faster on its feet under Tata than Ford, David Smith, the new permanent chief executive of JLR, said.     

"Financial constraints made life much more difficult under Ford," Smith told the Financial Times.     

More important to Smith, however, is JLR's opportunity to think as a smaller and more agile business.     

"Tata wants us to be autonomous -- I've got all the executive authority I need to make both the day-to-day and the long-term executive decisions without having to consult with Ratan (Tata) and Ravi (Kant, Tata Automotive's chief executive), my fellow board members."      

The JLR can now make decisions quickly, which will be most different from life at Ford, he said. "What we have seen of Tata is that it is a very principled organisation, with corporate social responsibility high on the agenda, but which works differently from the US or European model."      

"In terms of governance, we have set up a small strategy board -- Ratan, Ravi and me -- and we will meet every couple of months and review progress on plans, strategies and future products."      

After years of cuts and job losses, Smith indicated that no further large-scale restructuring is in sight.