A Jaguar statement said he will “explore other exciting opportunities outside of Jaguar Land Rover.” British publication Autocar said reports online hint that he could go to India to work for new EV company Ola Electric.

Mr Thomson has been at Jaguar for more than 21 years, following 12 years at Lotus – where he designed the original Elise – and with Volkswagen working on production and concept vehicles.

At Land Rover he was involved in the design of the radical LRX concept, which became one of the company’s most important models, the Range Rover Evoque.

He was also on the team that created the final designs for Jaguar models including the XE, XF, XJ, F-Type, F-Pace, E-Pace and I-Pace. He was appointed Jaguar’s advanced design director in 2019 when predecessor Ian Callum departed to start his own consultancy.

A tweet from Ian Callum said: “So sad and disappointed to see Julian Thomson leave Jaguar Design. Especially at a time when Jaguar needs directors of such a high calibre, leadership skills and talent. I wish Julian the very best for whatever he does next. He will be sorely missed.”

JLR CEO Thierry Bolloré said: “Julian has always endeavoured to be a champion of creativity, diversity and building a fair and positive work culture. I would like to thank Julian for his great work, leadership, dedication and significant contribution and wish him every success in the future.”

By Neil Dowling