Former JLR director finds new role in the city

ONE of the best known figures in the West Midlands automotive industry has joined Grant Thornton as a special consultant.

Bob Joyce, former engineering director for Jaguar Land Rover, will split his time between Grant Thornton’s Birmingham and London offices.

Mr Joyce, a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, has more than 30 years’ experience in the automotive sector and brings with him a wealth of knowledge covering restructuring, commercial performance, global expansion and organisational development.

He was one of only 15 UK industry experts to be recognised for industrial business development in Debrett’s 2015 ranking of the Top 500 most influential individuals.

His new role will see him join Grant Thornton’s Global Automotive team and he will be working closely with the firm’s UK business consulting team to develop relevant, progressive solutions to support the industry’s rapid changing requirements.
 
Commenting on his appointment, Mr Joyce said: “I am delighted to be working with Grant Thornton’s Business Consulting team. I am committed to working closely with its existing team of industry experts to ensure its success continues.”
 
Neil Barrell, Grant Thornton Global Automotive Lead and UK Head of Industry and Manufacturing, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Bob to the team. Bob’s extensive skill-set, alongside the strong existing team we have here in the UK, will ensure we are truly able to support the automotive industry across the whole value chain.

“This development is particularly relevant to our manufacturing clients across the Midlands, which is at the heart of the UK’s automotive sector, many of whom know and respect Bob enormously.  
 
“The industry is complex and our team’s ability to identify key business opportunities and areas which can have the maximum impact for our clients is paramount. This focus will be instrumental in continuing to help our clients globally make positive, long-term changes to their businesses.”