Jaguar Australia Appoints New General Manager

Jaguar Australia has announced the appointment of a new General Manager, to replace Dorian Lapthorne who was transferred to the Jaguar Brand Manager's role in China last September.

Christopher Lidis will now step into the role after what amounts to a lengthy search, in time to guide Jaguar through what is shaping up to be a monumentally difficult period for all manufacturers. Taking on the local GM role at a brand in the process of staging a comeback during a global credit crisis, will likely be a tough gig...  We suggest that Chris ticks the 'V8-supercharged' option for his company XF and makes the most of it.The announcement was made by David Blackhall, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Australia and New Zealand earlier today and Blackhall made particular mention that Lidis represented the ideal combination of deep industry experience and maturity overlaid with the important leadership skills needed to guide the brand to the 'niche premium' positioning it is targeting over the next few years with products like the new XF.

"Chris ticked every box for us - outstanding academic qualifications, high quality Ford experience and training here and abroad, strong dealer expertise, broadening experience in the credit company and most of all a proven track record in nurturing, mentoring and managing young teams", Blackhall said.

Lidis cut his teeth working in the Ford empire, starting as a graduate trainee and completing assignments with Ford in sales, marketing, purchasing, field operations and Ford Credit here and at Ford's joint venture in Taiwan. He recently held the role of Ford’s Eastern Region, Regional Manager and he also ran the Ford Business Centre at Broadmeadows Head Office.

"I am absolutely delighted to join the team at North Ryde. It is doubly pleasing to be doing so right after the Tata acquisition with the attendant energy and focus that has brought to the global operations of this iconic brand. I am looking forward to meeting the dealer network and charting the course for strong progress as the new Jaguar product continues to arrive and deliver on the "Beautiful Fast Cars' brand promise". Lidis commented.

The appointment is effective December 1st, 2008.