Design Director Julian Thomson Leaving Jaguar

Designer Julian Thomson has been with Jaguar for more than two decades, but will leave at the end of May.

Last week, Jaguar announced that longtime designer Julian Thomas would be stepping down as design director of Jaguar Land Rover. While Thomas has only been running Jaguar Design for two years, his 21-year tenure with the company produced some of the marque’s most celebrated recent models, including the F-Type, F-Pace, I-Pace, and Land Rover Evoque. Previously, he worked at Lotus, and is responsible for the gorgeous lines of that company’s featherweight giant killer, the Elise.

As our friends over at Autocar reported, Coventry had no details on exactly why Thomson was leaving the fold, and did not name any immediate replacement. Now, I’m really not trying to read tea leaves here. But given that designer Gerry McGovern was recently appointed to the board, and the move was cited by the company as statement about its commitment to design, that seems strange. Because if design is vitally important to the company as it previously suggested, it would only make sense that any big shifts in personnel would be meticulously planned.

Adding a little heat to the idea that Thomson’s departure might not have been entirely amicable is the statement from virtuoso designer and bona fide Jaguar royalty Ian Callum, who tweeted:

So sad and disappointed to see Julian Thomson leave Jaguar Design. Especially at a time when Jaguar needs directors of such a high calibre, leadership skills and talent. I wish Julian the very best for whatever he does next. He will be sorely missed.

What this means for the future of Jaguar Design is anyone’s guess at this point, but there’s no question that we’re at crucially important phase of the iconic British company’s life. As I pointed out in my post about McGovern’s new role, Jaguar is facing both the fallout from Brexit and the exciting, but challenging, prospect of a new electric age. Of course, there’s also the sibling rivalry with Land Rover to consider as well — especially in a world increasing dominated by crossovers and SUVs.

That said, I’m sure we’ll here something about who will be tapped to replace Thomson in the next couple of weeks. So stay tuned!

Photos: Jaguar Land Rover

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