JLR rejigs UK mgmt, appoints Jeremy Hicks as MD

In a top-management rejig, Tata Motors-owned Jaguar Land Rover has appointed ex-Audi UK boss Jeremy Hicks as the Managing Director of its operations in the UK with immediate effect.

Hicks will now be responsible for both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands in the UK, which had separate Managing Directors earlier.

JLR has shifted Jaguar UK Managing Director Geoff Cousins to Jaguar Global Sponsorships & Partnerships as its Director, while Land Rover UK Managing Director Colin Green has been moved to Global Dealer Operations as its Director.

In a statement, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said: "Jeremy's appointment brings the UK organisation in line with other global markets and brings each region under the leadership of a single, dual brand, Managing Director."

Hicks will report directly to JLR Group Sales Operations Director, Phil Popham and his appointment is effective from November 1, 2011, it added.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to lead two iconic brands in their home market. Both Jaguar and Land Rover have their strongest ever product line up and I am very much looking forward to working with the JLR team to achieve continued success in the UK market," Hicks said.

Prior to joining JLR, he had worked with the Volkswagen Group in the UK. Later, he led Audi's operations there.

Besides Hicks, JLR also shifted Cousins and Green to different positions inside the company with effect from yesterday, the statement said.

"In this new role, Cousins will lead Jaguar's Global efforts in sponsorship, partnerships and alliances in support of the brand strategy, including building on the exciting Jaguar 'Academy of Sport' concept, developed through his tenure in the UK."

On the other hand, Green will be responsible for long range retail strategy, growth of dealer development and internationalisation of distribution, dealer capability and global sales programmes.

"Green and Cousins' current first line reports in the UK sales organisations will report directly to Jeremy Hicks," JLR said.