A former boss at the Coventry-based automotive maker Jaguar Land Rover is set to take up a senior position at the helm of the revised Norton Motorcycles brand.
His name is Sir Ralf Speth, and he stepped down as CEO at JLR in September 2020, although is now moving just a short commute across the midlands to take up a post with TVS and the newly revived Norton brand.
Sir Ralf was supposed to be making the move from four to two-wheels in January 2023, although that move has been brought forward to April this year as outgoing chairman, Venu Srinivasan, makes way for him.
Srinivasan will now become chairman emeritus of TVS Motor Company, hailed the move a ‘momentous occasion for TVS Motor Company’. He went on to say:
“His passion for technology, eye for products, and commitment to building brands are truly remarkable. His thoughts will add immensely to TVS Motor as the company shapes itself for the future. Ralf’s deep insights and guidance will be invaluable to the management team as TVS Motor Company embraces the future of mobility.”
Norton opened its new headquarters in Solihull in November 2021, with the 73,000 sq ft facility homing engineering, design, manufacturing, marketing, and administration departments.
Norton was purchased by TVS in April 2020 after the historic marque slid into administration in February that year amid claims of unpaid tax bills and discrepancies over misuse of pension funds. TVS now plans to return the brand to its former glory, with a raft of new and updated models on the cards.
