Jaguar picks UK marketing boss

Ford-owned Jaguar has appointed Ian Major as its UK marketing director.

The newly created position represents a promotion for Major, who was previously overseas operations director. It is thought he will report to Mike Wright, managing director of Land Rover and Jaguar’s operations, and Jaguar’s general manager of operations Dermot Harkin.

The appointment comes three months after Jaguar drafted in Martin Runnacles as global marketing director (MW May 23). Runnacles was formerly global marketing director of Rover and BMW.

The decision to have a separate marketing director for the UK is part of the luxury car brand’s strategy of beefing up local marketing in its strongest markets. Last month, Jaguar North America appointed George Ayre as its vice-president of marketing.

Commenting on Major’s appointment, Runnacles says: “We want to have strong local representation in key markets.” He says that he will be working closely with both Major and Ayre.

Jaguar is part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group, which includes its luxury brands Aston Martin and Land Rover.

Jaguar is about to launch the new-generation Jaguar XK8, which has already appeared in the latest Austin Powers’ film, Goldmember. The film features actor Mike Myers driving the car, which is dubbed a Shaguar and decorated with a Union flag.