Gerry uncanned: JLR design supremo is back in the building

After what appeared to be unceremonious exit, Gerry McGovern is back in the building at JLR with staff being notified via email that the controversial design chief does indeed still work for the company. The news follows on from the statement JLR released to CDN shortly after McGovern was reported to have been escorted out of the building in early December 2025, which said:

“It is untrue that we have terminated Gerry McGovern’s employment and we do not intend to further comment on speculative stories."

When asked if McGovern is still working at JLR, CDN received the following response: "It's not on record that Gerry has left the business, I appreciate this allows space for speculation."

Now, it appears the substance of that statement is backed up by the reappearance of the design director, but as to what capacity he has returned in is not yet clear. 

Meawhile, JLR advances work on the Jaguar Type 00, the first model of Jaguar's all-electric reboot and the car intended to define the brand’s new ultra-luxury design direction.

During his tenure, McGovern established the reductive, architectural design language that now characterises Range Rover, Defender and Discovery, while elevating Range Rover into a standalone luxury marque under the Reimagine transformation plan. He was appointed chief creative officer and a member of the board in 2020.

More on this story as it develops.