Meet JLR Special Vehicle Operations new boss

Jaguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division says goodbye to ex-managing director John Edwards and welcomes Michael van der Sande, previous Alpine boss, as his successor.

Edwards took over at Special Vehicle Operations back in 2014, and headed it for the last four years, adding to his total of 27 years at JLR. His successor, van der Sande, brings knowledge and experience from Tesla and Aston Martin to the brand.

One of van der Sande’s most recent and notable projects is the Alpine A110 sports car, which features a turbocharged 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 185kW. The sports car revived the Alpine brand and has enjoyed it’s time being highly-rated in the media.

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.”

Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Ralf Speth said: “John Edwards 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. He will be sorely missed.”

Edwards is the third top-exec to leave JLR over the last few months after international strategy director Adrian Hallmark made his departure to Bentley as their new CEO. Former group sales operations executive Andy Goss completes the trio after he was replaced by Felix Braeuetigam as new chief commercial officer.

Edwards is confident in his decision to leave, wishing his successor well, adding that he leaves SVO “in excellent shape for the future”.