Jaguar Land Rover CEO Thierry Bolloré has resigned after only two years in the top seat.
The former Renault boss joined JLR in 2020 and quickly made his presence felt, announcing an expansive “Reimagine” electrification plan in which Jaguar would become a high-end, all-electric luxury brand from 2025, a move that included scrapping the electric XJ sedan that was only months away from launch.
Bolloré’s departure is officially down to “personal reasons” and no further details were given, other than his resignation would officially take effect from December 31 this year. Chief financial officer, Adrian Mardell, a 32-year veteran of the company, and board member for the past three, assumes the responsibilities of CEO from today. Bolloré also relinquishes his position as a non-executive director of JLR’s parent company, Tata Motors.
The Frenchman, who started his career at Michelin, presided over the successful launches of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport and was able to reduce JLR’s losses despite production hitches caused by the semiconductor crisis, a problem that Bolloré said was making it difficult to fulfill orders and would likely persist for years to come.
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“I am immensely proud of what we have achieved together at Jaguar Land Rover over the last two years,” Bolloré said in a statement. “The company’s transformation and acceleration towards a sustainable, profitable future as a modern luxury business is underway at great pace. I would like to thank the whole team for their dedication and passion and I wish the entire organisation the very best for the future.”
Tata chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran said: “I want to thank Thierry for everything he has done at Jaguar Land Rover. The foundations for a successful transformation have been laid, leaving the company well poised for the future.”