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April 15, 2025 – For the first time since his sudden departure from Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in December 2024, legendary designer Gerry McGovern has spoken publicly about the move, addressing lingering speculation about whether he was fired or quit, and confirming he is not done with automotive design. In an exclusive conversation with Autocar’s My Week in Car podcast, McGovern, now an advisor to British motorcycle maker Norton Motorcycles, set the record straight on his exit and laid out his ambitions for the next stage of his career.
McGovern spent 24 years at JLR, rising to chief creative officer, where he oversaw the design of the reinvention of the Land Rover Defender, multiple generations of the Range Rover and Discovery, and the polarizing Jaguar Type 00 electric concept. His departure was first reported by Autocar last December, but JLR didn’t officially confirm the move until March 2025, fueling rumors that the split was contentious. McGovern, however, pushed back firmly.
“I’ve read a lot of speculation, and it’s all pretty inaccurate,” he said. “I made the decision to leave because I wanted to do new stuff. I’m aware there are many opportunities out there, and I’ve had a lot of approaches. I’m very particular about what I want and who I work with, but I’m definitely going to do more cars. They’re in my blood.”
McGovern’s new role at Norton Motorcycles, where he serves as an advisor, has already given him a fresh perspective on design. He described the shift from shaping four-wheeled icons to two-wheeled machines as a stimulating challenge, one that has broadened his thinking without dimming his passion for cars. “Designing a motorcycle is a very different discipline – the packaging, the proportions, the emotion – but it’s still about creating something that people love,” he said. “I’m learning a lot, and that will feed back into my car work.”
Industry observers note that McGovern’s departure marks a significant moment for JLR, which has been navigating a complex transition to electric vehicles under its Reimagine strategy. The Type 00 concept, which McGovern called “controversial but necessary,” divided critics and enthusiasts alike, but cemented his reputation as a designer willing to take risks. His exit leaves a creative leadership void at a time when the brand is trying to redefine its design language for the electric era.
McGovern hinted that he has already been approached by several automakers, but declined to name names. “I’m not in a hurry,” he said. “I want to find the right fit – a project that excites me, where I can make a real difference. It could be a big company, or a smaller one. The most important thing is the culture and the commitment to great design.”
The interview also touched on McGovern’s early career, his rise through the ranks of the industry, and the philosophy that guided his work at JLR. He emphasized the importance of brand identity over short-term trends, a lesson he believes is even more critical as the industry shifts to software-defined vehicles. “Design isn’t just about how something looks; it’s about how it makes you feel and what it says about the brand,” he said. “That doesn’t change with electrification.”
As for the “shock” nature of his departure, McGovern acknowledged that the timing may have surprised some, but insisted it was a carefully considered decision. “I’ve always been one to follow my instincts,” he said. “The moment I felt I had done everything I could at JLR, it was time to move on. I have nothing but respect for the team there, and I’m proud of what we achieved together.”
The full interview is available now on Autocar’s Apple News+ channel, in the current print edition of Autocar magazine, and as a podcast episode of My Week in Car. Listeners can hear McGovern discuss his design philosophy, the challenges of leading a global design team, and his vision for the future of automotive aesthetics.
With his characteristic blend of candor and conviction, McGovern leaves no doubt that his design career is far from
