The jaguar dropped the designer behind the controversial pink again after the backlash
Jaguar Land Rover has parted ways with Gerry McGoven, the veteran head of design responsible for the Polizing Pink-themed Relogand – Marketing campaign was criticized for featuring high-end models, avant-garde slogans and not a single jaguar car.
Industry publication Autocar reported that McGovern, who is 69, “was asked to leave the office on Monday and ‘misses the end of the office,’ ending his 21-year tenure as one of the most influential figures at Carmaker. JLR declined to comment on the departure.
McGovern’s exit comes just a few weeks after PB Balaji, previously chief financial officer at Tata Company Tata Motors, took over as JLR’s new CEO. The leadership reinstatement follows a tumultuous year marked by falling demand for premium cars in China, more semiconductor concerns and a major cyberattack that halted production for five weeks.
Jaguar in December 2024 Recraunch – unveiled at Miami Art Week – was widely ridiculed for including the famous “Greeler” sign in favor of the great beauty of fashion. Glamourous models are featured with hairdos in a pink, sci-fi landscape, accompanied by slogans such as “Remove the ordinary,”
There are no cars in the campaign video, a decision the company defended at the time as “bold and thoughtful.”
The controversy deepened when Jaguar unveiled a concept model in Neon “Barbie Pink,” prompting comparisons to Lady Penelope’s car from Thunderbirds. Critics on social media have labeled the campaign “again” and out of touch.
Former US president Donald Trump accused JLR of being ‘in complete disarray,’ including a “stupid” reqund. Tesla Chief Executive Elegy Musk mocked the campaign, asking: “Are you selling cars?”
Despite the turmoil, McGovern continues to be widely respected for re-identifying other jlr models. He led the filling of the protector, the high width of the rover as a low-level profit change and is responsible for the transformation of jaguar towards the entire electric line, including the “Neo-BrutaList” type 00 concept.
Raised in Coventry, McGovern studied at the Royal College of Art before embarking on a career that included roles at Chrysler, Peugeot, Austin Rover and Ford’s Lincoln Division. He joined Land Rover as director of Advanced Design in 2004 and later became chief executive of jlr, also joining the company’s board.
McGovern’s departure comes as JLR struggles with productivity and macroeconomic difficulties. Dutch Semiconductor Firm Nexperia warned it could no longer guarantee deliveries due to political tensions with China, while outstanding first production followed a cyber cark that forced Tata Motors to earn 228.5.
The pink rebram was symbolic, for some critics of illegal testing – Trend Analysts say it is now backfired, helped by the Shareholder push for more marketing of the merchandise. Retailers such as American Eagle recently enjoyed strong stock performance after returning to more promotional, celebrity-driven campaigns.
With Jaguar’s first electric model due next summer, McGovern’s departure raises new questions about how much of his creative vision will survive under jlr’s new leadership.
Jamie Young
Jamie is a senior business reporter, bringing ten years of experience to the UK SME Business Report. Jamie holds a degree in business administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops. When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie enjoys mentoring budding journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.
