JAGUAR DESIGNER DEPARTS
HAVING transformed the Jaguar with a raft of awardwinning sedans, sportscars and introducing the first SUV’s to wear the famous badge, Jaguar’s Director of Design, Ian Callum, is leaving after two decades.
Before joining Jaguar in 1999, he worked for Ford Australia then joined Tom Walkinshaw’s TWR outfit. There he worked on HSV models including the VP 5000i. At TWR he was responsible for the Aston Martin DB7, Vanquish and DB9.
At Jaguar Callum revived the range with award-winning designs. These include the F-TYPE – Jaguar’s first twoseater sports car since the iconic E-type – the XE, XF and XJ saloons, and the marque’s first SUVs – F-PACE, E-PACE and most recently the allelectric I-PACE, which in April was crowned 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car.
Ian 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.
“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."
In 2005 Callum was awarded the title of Royal Designer for Industry from the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce
In 2014 he received the Minerva Medal – the highest accolade bestowed by the Chartered Society of Designers.
Prof. Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO said: “The contribution Ian Callum has made to Jaguar’s industryleading design reputation cannot be over-stated.
“Ian stands for the most forward-thinking, rulebreaking 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. 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.”