Bob Dover, the chairman and chief executive of Jaguar and Land Rover has quit, 12 months after taking the job. Dover's departure comes only a month after Ford of Europe product guru, Martin Leech left the carmaker after huge financial losses.

Jaguar and Land Rover say Dover, 55, has decided to retire early. Despite the success of the Jaguar XJ, however, insiders say that overall losses are significant and were a factor in his decision to leave so soon after taking the job. His replacement will be former public relations executive Joe Greenwell who will take on his new role on October 1, although Dover will stay on until his retirement next April to ensure a smooth hand over.

A vice-president of the Ford Motor company, Dover was previously managing director of Land Rover and chief operating officer of Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. Prior to this he was chairman and chief executive of Land Rover, and formerly chairman and chief executive officer at Aston Martin.

During his time he has been responsible for the introduction of the XK8, Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and Vanquish, the new Range Rover and Jaguar XJ saloon.

He spearheaded the introduction of diesel technology to Jaguar and oversaw the Land Rover Discovery programme in the mid-1980s. He was also responsible for transferring production of the Land Rover Freelander from Solihull to Liverpool, at the cost of1000 jobs.

Commenting on his planned departure and on his replacement, Dover says: “Joe Greenwell has a real passion for the brands, extensive global market experience and the leadership qualities needed to take Jaguar and Land Rover forward in the future. Now is the right time to hand over.”