Jaguar Land Rover is undergoing a leadership transition as Barbara Bergmeier steps down from her role as executive director of industrial operations. Nigel Blenkinsop, a seasoned JLR executive, will take over as the company navigates an evolving automotive landscape.
Jaguar Land Rover is experiencing another leadership transition as Barbara Bergmeier, the company’s executive director of industrial operations, departs. She will be succeeded by Nigel Blenkinsop, a long-standing JLR executive who has played a central role in the company’s manufacturing and operational strategy.
Bergmeier’s key role in JLR’s industrial transformation
Bergmeier, who joined JLR in 2022, was brought in to lead the company’s industrial operations as part of the wider ‘Reimagine’ transformation plan. Her appointment marked a shift in strategy, integrating manufacturing, purchasing, supply chain, and logistics under a single leadership structure. Under her tenure, JLR focused on improving operational efficiencies and adapting to the challenges of supply chain disruptions and electrification.
”Bergmeier’s departure follows a series of high-level changes within JLR’s leadership as the company refines its approach to electrification and global supply chain resilience”
Nigel Blenkinsop steps into the role with extensive experience within JLR’s manufacturing and supply chain divisions. Having held key operational roles within the company, he is well-versed in the complexities of production and supplier management. His appointment signals a continuation of the existing strategy, with a strong focus on driving the next phase of JLR’s transformation.
A period of high-level leadership changes at JLR
Bergmeier’s departure follows a series of high-level changes within JLR’s leadership as the company refines its approach to electrification and global supply chain resilience. The carmaker has been making strategic moves to align its industrial operations with evolving market conditions, particularly in the face of increasing demand for electric and hybrid vehicles.
JLR has not provided specific reasons for Bergmeier’s departure, but her tenure has seen the company tackle significant industry-wide disruptions. Blenkinsop, who has been with JLR for several years, will now be responsible for ensuring stability while pushing forward with the company’s ambitions to scale up its electrification strategy.
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In a LinkedIn post, Bergmeier provided personal insight into her decision to step down: “With love in my heart, I have decided to leave my current role as Executive Director of Industrial Operations at JLR. Perhaps the hardest decision I’ve made in my career so far, so I wanted to give some personal context.” She explained that she intends to step back from her career to prioritise time with family and personal well-being.
Reflecting on her tenure, she highlighted the challenges JLR had overcome, including the semiconductor crisis and aluminium supply shortages, but emphasised that teamwork had been key: “Every single time we’ve tackled challenges or had the chance to explore new opportunities, it’s always been as a team.”
Bergmeier also underscored her pride in unifying procurement, supply chain, and manufacturing under one leadership function, an industry-first achievement for JLR. Additionally, she expressed gratitude for her role in advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I), calling it an honour to work alongside passionate colleagues driving cultural change.
Leadership stability amid industry challenges
Despite her departure, Bergmeier will maintain ties with JLR in a new role as Strategic Advisor. “I will still be a part of the JLR family, taking on a new role as Strategic Advisor. I’ll be working on special projects, bringing my passion and expertise to continue supporting JLR’s journey to electrification.”
With automotive production facing ongoing geopolitical and economic pressures, leadership changes such as this highlight the importance of maintaining strong operational oversight. Blenkinsop’s deep familiarity with JLR’s production ecosystem will be critical as the company continues to adapt to shifting market conditions and evolving consumer expectations.
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