Geoff Polites, CEO of Jaguar and Land Rover has passed away. Mr. Polites was 60, and died Sunday in his home country of Australia, following a two-year struggle with cancer. Polites is credited with returning the companies to profitability and orchestrating the sale of the two brands to Tata Motors.
Geoff Polites was appointed CEO of Jaguar and Land Rover , effective September 2005. Chief financial officer David Smith will become interim CEO until a permanent successor is appointed.
“Geoff’s untimely passing robs his family and friends of a man who was a real inspiration to us all,†said Alan Mulally, president and chief executive officer, Ford Motor Company. “His drive and determination, combined with his clear sense of vision for the business, played a huge role in turning round the business at Jaguar Land Rover and returning it to profitability. Geoff ensured that Jaguar Land Rover was not distracted and continued to focus on the fundamentals of the business during the recent sale process, despite at the time also fighting his own personal health battle.
Lewis Booth, executive vice president of Ford’s European units, also shared his thoughts in a statement to the press. “His passion for the car business was legend, but the resolve he showed since taking over as CEO of Jaguar Land Rover … was something very special,” Booth, said.
“His leadership of the team that has put the Jaguar Land Rover business back into profitability has been exceptional. Geoff has given Jaguar Land Rover the solid foundation and established the strong management team it needs for a successful future. We will miss our friend very much.â€
