Land Rover’s design director, Geoff Upex, is to retire from the company at the end of this year after 23 years of service.

He will be succeeded by Gerry McGovern, currently director of advanced design at Land Rover, who will assume responsibility for all Land Rover design with immediate effect.

To ensure a smooth handover, Upex will stay with the company until the end of the year and will continue to play a key role in the launch of new products including the new Freelander.