Agencies expected to be hit as Jaguar-Land Rover shake up combines marketing roles
A major overhaul of the marketing strategy for Jaguar and Land Rover is underway, combining marketing services for both brands, which have previously been dealt with separately within the company.
The changes come into effect on 1 October
The Drum understands that the reorganisation is likely to impact on creative agencies Y&R and Spark44, retained to provide marketing services for Land Rover and Jaguar respectively.
Sources told The Drum that the changes would have “ramifications for the agencies” after the changes had bedded in.
Phil Popham, the director of group sales operations is to become group marketing director, and will be the first chief marketing officer to be given marketing responsibilities for both brands, which have to date been kept separate during their respective histories.
“This reorganisation represents a natural evolution of our management team, ensuring functional clarity and efficient decision-making for an automotive company of our size and global scale,” staff were told by Jaguar CEO Dr Ralf Speth last week.
Popham will be responsible for “all marketing activity on both the Jaguar and Land Rover Brands”.
Additional changes include the relocation of Andy Goss, President of Jaguar Land Rover North America to succeed Popham as director of group sales operations. His successor in the North American role has not yet been announced. A new role of group strategy director has been created and will be taken by Adrian Hallmark, global brand director Jaguar. John Edward, global brand director Land Rover’s future is “subject of a further announcement.”
“The changes outlined below will simplify our leadership structure in sales and marketing, providing 'one face to the market' from the central teams,” Speth said.
“It also creates dedicated resources in strategy development and processes. The moves, effective 1 October 2013, are designed to re-emphasise our relentless focus on Customer First.”
The Drum has contacted Jaguar Land Rover for comment but has received no response at the time of publication.