Jaguar announced that Ian Callum, director of design, is to leave his position at the company after two decades but will become a design consultant.
Julian Thomson, currently creative design director, replaces Callum from 1 July.
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After joining Jaguar in 1999, Callum built a world-class creative design team, established a new design philosophy and revived the range with award-winning designs. These include the F-Type – the brand's first two-seater sports car since the iconic E-type – the XE, XF and XJ saloons, and the marque's first SUVs – F-, E- and, most recently, the electric I-Pace.
"I have had an incredible career at Jaguar," Callum said in a statement.
"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.
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By GlobalData"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. 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."
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.
CEO Ralf Speth said: "The contribution Callum has made to Jaguar's industry-leading design reputation cannot be over-stated. He has created a new design language – and his passion has seen the range completely transformed during his 20 years in charge.
"I am delighted he has committed to continue to be Jaguar's brand ambassador as a design consultant."
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 also began his career at Ford, in Dunton, England, before moving to Lotus, where he became head of design, then chief of exteriors at Volkswagen Group's concept design centre.
