Jaguar design supremo Ian Callum is stepping down after more than 20 years in the role.

The Coventry car maker has announced its director of design, who heads-up the team at the Jaguar Design Centre in Whitley, will leave at the end of June.

He will be replaced by Julian Thomson, the current Jaguar creative design director, but will continue to play a role as a design consultant.

Mr Callum has been the creative force behind Jaguar since 1999, building a design team around him which breathed new life into the marque.

He will be remembered for ditching Jaguar’s retro design language when it came to saloons - moving away from the XJ, S-Type and F-Type to the XF, XE and all-new XJ.

Jaguar Land Rover

It represented a sea change which marked a radical departure from the retro-styled models which still harked back to the days of Sir William Lyons..

He also created the F-Type - Jaguar’s first two-seater sports car since the legendary E-type - and took Jaguar into the brave new world of SUVs with the F-Pace, E-Pace and I-Pace models.

The all-electric I-Pace - Jaguar Land Rover’s first all-electric car - will perhaps be seen as his crowning glory.

It claimed three major global industry honours recently when it was declared 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car.

Ian Callum, Jaguar director of design
Ian Callum, Jaguar director of design

Mr Callum said: “I have had an incredible career at Jaguar.

“One of my biggest highlights was creating XF because it represented the beginning of a new era moving Jaguar from tradition to contemporary design – it was a significant turning point in our story.

“Designing the F-Type was a dream come true for me, and I-Pace was an opportunity to create something hugely innovative that would really challenge the perception of Jaguar – and its success is testament to just how far the brand has come.”

He added: “I came into this role with a mission to take Jaguar design back to where it deserved to be.

“It has taken 20 years, but I believe I have achieved what I set out to do.

“Given the strength of both our products and the design team I feel that now is the right time to move on, both personally and professionally, and explore other design projects.

“Designing Jaguar cars was a lifelong dream for me and I’m delighted to remain involved as a consultant for the brand.”

Julian Thomson, who will succeed Ian Callum as Jaguar's director of design
Julian Thomson, who will succeed Ian Callum as Jaguar's director of design

Paying tribute to his successor he said: “I have worked closely with Julian Thomson for 18 years – he is a hugely talented designer and absolutely the right person to lead Jaguar design into its next chapter.”

Mr Callum spent the first 12 years of his career at Ford Design Studios, moving on to become chief designer of TWR Design, where he was responsible for the Aston Martin DB7, Vanquish and DB9.

Considered one of the world’s foremost car designers, in 2005 he was awarded the title of Royal Designer for Industry from the RSA.

In 2014 he received the Minerva Medal – the highest accolade bestowed by the Chartered Society of Designers, awarded for a lifetime’s achievement in design.

Ian Callum at the Jaguar XF reveal, Frankfurt Motor Show, September 11, 2007.

Jaguar Land Rover’s CEO Dr Ralf Speth said: “The contribution Ian Callum has made to Jaguar’s industry-leading design reputation cannot be over-stated.

“Ian stands for the most forward-thinking, rule-breaking and emotive approach to automotive design.

“He has created a new Jaguar design language – and his passion for Jaguar has seen the range completely transformed during his 20 years in charge.

“Innovative, beautiful, future-facing and true to our pioneering heritage, Jaguar’s current and award-winning cars are testament to Ian’s dedication – you can see his ‘signature’ in each and every one."

Mr Speth added: “In my view, the World Car Design of the Year winning F-Type, F-Pace and I-Pace – true game changers – are perhaps his greatest achievements. I believe they will be future icons.

“Both personally, and on behalf of everyone at Jaguar, I would like to thank Ian for all he has done, and I am delighted he has committed to continue to be Jaguar’s brand ambassador as a design consultant.

“I’d also like to congratulate Julian in his new position as director of design. Now is Julian’s time to shape his team, and the next generation of Jaguars.

“I am excited about the future for Jaguar, and Julian continuing the brand’s position as a world-leader in automotive design.”

Jaguar F-type Coupe V6 S
Jaguar F-type Coupe V6 S

As creative design director, Mr Thomson has been responsible for establishing the future strategic design direction for the brand.

Since joining Jaguar in 2000, he has overseen the development of the design concepts for the entire current product range.

He began his career at Ford, before moving to Lotus, where he became head of design, then chief of exteriors at Volkswagen Group’s Concept Design Centre.

The footage below is a trailer for a film about Jaguar going electric

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Mr Thomson said: “I’m honoured to take up the position of director of design, Jaguar.

“It will be a great privilege to lead such a talented team, and continue to build on our success. “Automotive design has always been fast moving, but today it is changing at a rate faster than ever before.

“I’m passionate about ensuring Jaguar design leads that change and the cars that will drive our future.”

Ian Callum’s career in cars

1984 - Ford RS200 Rally Car

1989 - Ford Ghia Via concept

1989 - Ford Escort Cosworth

1993 - Aston Martin DB7

1996 - Volvo C70

1997 - Ford Puma

1997/8 - Nissan R390 GT1 Le Mans

1998/2001 - Aston Martin Vanquish / Project Vantage

2000 - Aston Martin AM305

2001 - Jaguar R Coupe Concept

2003 - Aston Martin DB9

2003 - Jaguar RD6 Concept

2005 - Jaguar XK

2007 - Jaguar XF/CXF/Sportbrake

2009 - Jaguar XJ

2010 - Jaguar C-X75 Concept

2012 - Jaguar F-Type Convertible

2013 - Jaguar F-Type (C-X16)

2014 - Jaguar XE

2015 - Jaguar F-Pace (C-X17)

2017 - Jaguar E-Pace

2018 - Jaguar I-Pace (I-Pace Concept)

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