Ex-Jaguar boss takes GM marketing post

Ex-Jaguar managing director Jonathan Browning has been taken on by Vauxhall’s parent company General Motors as its European sales and marketing director.

Browning – who has worked for GM before – left Jaguar last month after a disagreement with parent company Ford over its decision to create a single strategy board for Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin.

GM’s appointment of Browning was first tipped last month in Marketing Week (November 15).

Browning takes over from Nick Reilly, who is to become chairman of Daewoo. He will be in charge of the Korean car company’s transition to being a GM subsidiary. The Daewoo acquisition has yet to be finalised, but it is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Browning has been briefed to reorganise GM’s European sales and marketing divisions.

Browning left Jaguar after two years, during each of which Jaguar increased its sales. He also oversaw the launches of the S-Type and X-Type.

GM president and chief executive Rick Wagoner says: “I am particularly pleased that Jonathan has decided to rejoin GM to contribute to the turnaround at GM Europe. At this critical stage his industry background and marketing expertise can help to accelerate our efforts.”