Professor Gerry McGovern OBE

Professor Gerry McGovern OBE is a world-renowned British car designer and Chief Creative Officer at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). A visionary speaker, he brings a unique perspective on the power of creativity to transform brands, industries and experiences. Gerry’s most notable accomplishment is leading the revolutionary creative direction of Jaguar Land Rover, overseeing the transformation of the Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar brands into some of the world’s most desirable luxury automotive marques.

During Gerry’s studies, he met Chrysler design boss Roy Axe, who would later become a major mentor and influence. Chrysler recognised his potential and sponsored his education at Lanchester Polytechnic (now Coventry University), where he earned a degree in industrial design. Eager to refine his craft, Gerry went on to complete a Master’s degree at the prestigious Royal College of Art in London, specialising in automotive design. This strong educational foundation prepared him for a remarkable global career at the forefront of the automotive industry.

Launching his professional journey with Chrysler in Detroit, Gerry soon returned to the UK as a Senior Designer for Chrysler/Peugeot, where he worked alongside some of the most notable names in the industry. In the 1980s, he joined Austin Rover Group, leading the design of the critically acclaimed MG F sports car, the Land Rover Freelander - Europe’s bestselling compact SUV for seven years - and the third generation Range Rover. In 1999, Gerry was recruited by the Ford Motor Company to head the rejuvenation of the Lincoln-Mercury brands, establishing new design studios in Detroit and California. His return to the UK in 2004 saw him appointed Director of Advanced Design at Land Rover, quickly progressing to Design Director in 2006, before joining the Land Rover Executive Committee in 2008. With the formation of Jaguar Land Rover, Gerry became a member of the JLR Executive Committee in 2013 and was later appointed Chief Creative Officer in 2020. Under his leadership, he has overseen the design of landmark vehicles including the Range Rover Evoque (2011), the New Defender (2020), and the latest Range Rover (2021). His extraordinary contributions were recognised with an OBE in 2020 for services to automotive design.

Audiences worldwide are inspired by Gerry’s exceptional insight into design leadership, creativity and brand elevation. His keynote presentations explore how creative thinking shapes not only products but entire brand identities, driving commercial success and cultural relevance. With topics including automotive design, creative leadership, luxury innovation, brand equity, design thinking and the future of the automotive industry, Gerry provides invaluable knowledge for businesses navigating today’s highly competitive and fast-evolving marketplace. Booking Gerry offers organisations a rare opportunity to learn from one of the leading creative forces in the global automotive world.