Scots design legend Ian Callum retires 04 | 06 | 2019
SCOT IAN CALLUM, Jaguar’s Director of Design, has announced he will leave his position at the company after two decades heading up Jaguar Design. Julian Thomson, currently Creative Design Director, has been appointed to the role of Director of Design, effective July 1. (Related: Jaguar I-Pace is Scottish Car of the Year)
Since joining Jaguar in 1999, Dumfries-born Callum — who learned his early craft at the Glasgow School of Art — has built a world-class creative design team, established a new design philosophy and revived the range with award-winning designs. These include F-Type — Jaguar’s first two-seater 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 all-electric I-Pace, which in April was crowned 2019 World Car of the Year, World Car Design of the Year and World Green Car.
“I have had an incredible career at Jaguar,” the Scot said. “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. (Related: Scot Ian Callum's design to dazzle V&A Dundee)
“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.
“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. (Related: Top award for Scot Ian Callum)
Widely regarded as one of the world’s foremost automotive design talents, in 2005 Ian was awarded the title of Royal Designer for Industry from the RSA. In 2014 he received the Minerva Medal, the highest accolade bestowed by the Chartered Society of Designers, awarded for a lifetime’s achievement in design.
Prof. Dr Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer said: “The contribution Ian Callum has made to Jaguar’s industry-leading design reputation cannot be over-stated.
“Ian stands for the most forward-thinking, rule-breaking 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.
“Both personally, and on behalf of everyone at Jaguar, I would like to thank Ian for all he has done, and I am delighted he has committed to continue to be Jaguar’s brand ambassador as a design consultant.
“I’d also like to congratulate Julian (pictured above) in his new position as Director of Design. Now is Julian’s time to shape his team, and the next generation of Jaguars. I am excited about the future for Jaguar, and Julian continuing the brand’s position as a world-leader in automotive design.”
Related: Taggarts opens new £7m Jaguar showroom
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Jim McGill