Jaguar Land Rover announces the resignation of its Group Marketing Director Phil Popham to take up the position of CEO at Sunseeker

COVENTRY, UK, 2-12-2014 — /EuropaWire/ — The Group Marketing Director of Jaguar Land Rover, Phil Popham, has today (28 November 2014) announced his resignation from the company to take up the position of CEO Sunseeker.

Popham, joined Land Rover in 1988 as a graduate trainee and spent all but two years of his career with the company. He held a number of senior position including Director of Land Rover European Operations, Marketing Director South Africa and Marketing Director of Land Rover North America. In 2001 he was appointed Land Rover UK Sales Director, where he presided over a two year period of rapid growth. In 2003 he was promoted to Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover’s UK operations before becoming Managing Director of Land Rover in 2006. In 2010 he was appointed Group Sales Operations Director and in 2013 Group Marketing Director.

Popham said “After a hugely rewarding 26 years working with the iconic Jaguar and Land Rover brands, I have been offered the thrilling opportunity to lead another famous British luxury brand, Sunseeker. My career with Jaguar Land Rover has been incredibly exciting and it has been an immense privilege to work with such great brands and inspiring colleagues over the years. I leave the company on very good terms and wish them continued global success.”

Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ralf Speth said “The management team and I would like to thank Phil for his enormous contribution during his 26 years with the business. He is a large part of the success behind the company’s strong global growth, successfully steering the Sales and Marketing teams globally. We are confident that he has a very bright future ahead of him and wish him every success in his new role.”

Phil Popham is succeeded by Gerd Mäuser, an experienced leader with a distinguished career in the automotive industry. He worked previously at both BMW AG (Motorcycle Division) and Porsche AG. At Porsche he held the position Director of Corporate Marketing from 1994-2010. From 2011-2013 he was president of German sports club VfB Stuttgart 1893 e.V.

Mr Mäuser said “I am delighted to be joining Jaguar Land Rover at such an exciting time. So much has been achieved by the company over the last few years, and there is so much more ahead. I am looking forward to the opportunity to play a pivotal role in helping these respected British brands realise their full potential.”

Mr Mäuser will assume the position of Chief Marketing Officer, reporting into Dr Ralf Speth, from January 12th 2015.

For more information, contact:
Kay Francis, Director Global Corporate Communications
M: 07867 537779, E: kfranci1@jaguarlandrover.com