JLR has appointed Patrick McGillycuddy as its UK managing director, leading on plans to transform the customer experience.

Patrick McGillycuddy

McGillycuddy now officially succeeds Rawdon Glover after assuming the MD role on an interim basis in March 2023 when Glover moved to a global brand role for Jaguar.

McGillycuddy assumes responsibility for all commercial operations for JLR in the UK as the carmaker works to transform its operating model, along with the client experience by simplifying the purchase process and elevating care levels.

This includes the transition to a direct sales model in late 2024; which Tata Motors-owned JLR says will deliver an effortless journey relevant to each client with transparent pricing and seamless omnichannel options.

Earlier this year, Jaguar Land Rover revamped its branding to just JLR and announced a new ‘House of Brands approach’. This sees the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar names switch to brands in their own right, to “become proud creators of the world’s most desirable modern luxury automotive brands for the most discerning clients”. It’s one of a number of major changes under JLR’s new plans to invest £15bn over five years in its factories, vehicles and technology as it aims to become an “electric-first, modern luxury carmaker by 2030.

Tata Motors is also believed to be in the process of signing off on a deal with the UK government to build a major electric vehicle battery plant in Somerset, creating up to 9,000 jobs while marking a major win for the UK auto sector.

Commenting on his appointment, McGillycuddy said: “I am thrilled to lead JLR’s home market at a time when the UK automotive industry is seeing more change than it has in decades. New competition, regulation and consumer behaviour demands change, and our response is both unprecedented and significant.

“We are reimagining our entire client journey for the luxury sector. How our clients interact with our brands as we launch our most desirable electrified Jaguar, Range Rover, Defender and Discovery vehicles will be reimagined, and I am proud to lead the dedicated and passionate team bringing that transformation to life.”

McGillycuddy joined JLR UK’s commercial leadership team in June 2021 as sales director following executive positions with General Motors and Volkswagen Group. His replacement as sales director will be revealed by JLR in a future announcement.