Pretoria, South Africa, 28 August 2024 – In a bold move to redefine luxury and sustainability in the automotive landscape, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) South Africa has appointed two seasoned professionals to steer its prestigious brands into a new era. Irene Kakooza and Janico Dannhauser will lead Range Rover, Jaguar, Defender, and Discovery with a strategic vision that aligns with JLR’s ambitious ‘Reimagine’ strategy, aiming to create a modern luxury house of brands.
Irene Kakooza, formerly Communications Manager at JLR South Africa and Sub-Sahara Africa, will now take on the role of Brand Manager for Range Rover and Jaguar. With over a decade at JLR, Kakooza brings a wealth of experience and a profound understanding of the market dynamics. Her new role will see her driving Range Rover’s continued dominance in the luxury SUV segment while spearheading Jaguar’s transition to an all-electric brand by 2025. This pivotal shift represents JLR’s commitment to sustainability and modernity, reinforcing Jaguar’s identity as a leader in electric luxury.
Janico Dannhauser, who previously served as Product and Pricing Manager, will now helm the brand management for Defender and Discovery. With nearly 20 years of automotive experience, Dannhauser is well-positioned to advance JLR’s adventure and family SUV offerings. His extensive background in product planning and pricing, coupled with his involvement in the National Association of Automobile Manufacturers of South Africa’s EV subcommittee, equips him to navigate the complexities of the premium automotive market and drive growth for these iconic models.
Richard Gouverneur, Managing Director of JLR South Africa & Sub-Sahara Africa, emphasized the strategic significance of these appointments. “Each of our four luxury brands embodies a distinct personality that requires an equally distinct approach in the interpretation of how our Reimagine strategy applies to them,” he stated. “The appointment of Irene and Janico allows us to leverage their diverse experiences and skill sets to bring each brand’s unique identity to life and position them for a sustainable future in this new modern luxury era.”
Kakooza’s journey within JLR has been marked by a variety of roles, including Regional Business Manager and Experiential Manager, which have collectively honed her ability to navigate diverse markets across Sub-Sahara Africa. Similarly, Dannhauser’s dual expertise in product planning and his role on the naamsa EV subcommittee reflect his deep commitment to driving innovation and policy transformation in the automotive sector.
As JLR embarks on this transformative phase, the new brand managers will play a crucial role in articulating and executing the brand’s vision for a sustainable and luxurious future. Their leadership will not only enhance JLR’s position in the competitive automotive landscape but also contribute to the broader evolution of the luxury vehicle market in South Africa and beyond.
