Michael van der Sande succeeds John Edwards at Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations

Jaguar Land Rover announces today that John Edwards, Managing Director of Special Operations, has stated his intention to leave the business at the end of June.

John Edwards has led the Special Operations business since its launch in 2014 and will leave after strengthening the leadership team, preparing it for even greater future success and growth.

Replacing Edwards is Michael van der Sande, currently Managing Director of Alpine, Renault Group’s sports car division, who has previously held senior roles at Aston Martin, Tesla and Harley-Davidson. Further appointments to the Special Operations leadership team will be announced at a later date.

John Edwards said: “These crucial new appointments put Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations in excellent shape for the future. Our Special Vehicle Operations, Bespoke and Classic businesses are strategically important for the entire business and I am confident the new recruits will bring fresh thinking and new direction, building on what we have achieved and taking us onwards and upwards.”

Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, said: “John Edwards will be sorely missed. He has been a remarkable leader, serving Jaguar Land Rover with distinction for 27 years and most recently building Special Operations into a business we are proud of.

“John has been instrumental in the formation and success of Jaguar Land Rover Classic and has led the team behind our world-beating SVR and SVAutobiography models – cars that our most discerning customers love.

“We are extremely grateful to John for his immense contribution and wish him all the very best for the future.  On behalf of the board I thank him for his efforts and significant achievements.”

Hanno Kirner, Jaguar Land Rover Executive Director, Corporate and Strategy, said: “We welcome Michael van der Sande to our business. Michael, leading our revitalised Special Operations team, will play a crucial role in our future success.”

Michael van der Sande said: “In just four years Special Operations has established itself as a force in the automotive world with outstanding cars such as the Jaguar F-TYPE SVR and Range Rover SV Coupé, coupled with the revitalisation of the Classic business and continuation models such as the Jaguar XKSS. These are exceptional achievements and I relish the opportunity to lead the team behind these achievements to even greater success.”

Gallery

CONTENT - Would you like to see Internal Vacancy and Career information on TeamTalk?