By Malusi Msomi

JLR South Africa has announced key leadership changes as it prepares for the future of luxury motoring in South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Two new brand managers have been appointed to guide the prestigious Jaguar, Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery brands into the next era, with a particular focus on Jaguar’s transition to an all-electric lineup by 2025.

Irene Kakooza: Leading the Charge for Range Rover and Jaguar

Irene Kakooza, currently serving as Communications Manager at JLR South Africa and SSA, will now step into a more focused role as Brand Manager for Range Rover and Jaguar. With over a decade of experience at JLR, Kakooza is well-positioned to maintain Range Rover’s dominance in the luxury SUV segment while also overseeing Jaguar’s shift to an all-electric future.

Kakooza’s extensive background at JLR includes roles as Regional Business Manager, Franchise Manager, and Experiential Manager. Her deep understanding of the brand and the Sub-Saharan market will be instrumental as she guides Jaguar through its electric transformation.

Janico Dannhauser: Steering Defender and Discovery

Janico Dannhauser, previously the Product and Pricing Manager for JLR South Africa and SSA, will now take the lead as Brand Manager for Defender and Discovery. With nearly 20 years of experience in the automotive industry, including a decade in premium vehicle product planning, Dannhauser is set to chart a growth path for JLR’s adventure and family SUV brands in the region.

His involvement in the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa’s (naamsa) EV subcommittee further strengthens his ability to drive these brands into the future, particularly as the industry moves towards electrification.

Embracing the ‘House of Brands’ Strategy

JLR’s ‘House of Brands’ strategy highlights the distinct identities of Jaguar, Range Rover, Defender, and Discovery. The newly appointed brand managers will focus on bringing each brand’s unique personality to life. Whether it’s the rugged adventure of Defender, the family-friendly appeal of Discovery, the refined luxury of Range Rover, or the expressive nature of Jaguar, Kakooza and Dannhauser will work to ensure that these brands resonate with both local and SSA markets.

A vision for the future

Richard Gouverneur, Managing Director of JLR South Africa & Sub-Sahara Africa, emphasized the importance of these appointments in shaping the future of the brands:

“Each of our four luxury brands embody a distinct personality that requires an equally distinct approach in the interpretation of how our Reimagine strategy applies to them. The appointment of Irene and Janico in their new roles allows us to draw on their varied experience and skill sets to bring to life each brand’s distinctive identity and mould them for a sustainable future in a new modern luxury era.”

As JLR South Africa embraces the electric revolution and navigates the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing automotive landscape, the leadership of Kakooza and Dannhauser will be crucial in driving the success of these iconic brands across the continent.