Jaguar has completed the signing of now-former McLaren team principal Ian James, who will lead the Formula E outfit in the upcoming campaign.
In the all-electric series James had been team boss of Mercedes-EQ since 2019 and then McLaren; however, was in need of a new role after the closure of the papaya squad after three seasons.
It represents a direct swap with former Jaguar boss James Barclay, who left his position at the Big Cat at the end of last season to join McLaren's new Hypercar programme.
Barclay started this month as McLaren's Hypercar team principal, while James has moved in the other direction to take his spot at Jaguar.
He will start at the Coventry-based outfit on October 1, with his official position being team principal and managing director.
"I’m incredibly proud to be joining Jaguar – a brand with a unique history of technical innovation through racing and now with an exciting all-electric future ahead of it," said James.
"To be able to lead the talented team at Jaguar TCS Racing to fight for success on-track while pioneering EV development through competition will be a privilege."
James has enjoyed much success in Formula E, having led Mercedes-EQ to two drivers' and teams' championships.
He will report directly to Chris Thorpe, Jaguar Land Rover's motorsport chairman, who said: "Our JLR Motorsport programmes play a vital role within the business – developing and innovating technology for the future benefit of our customers and inspiring our global 40,000-strong workforce with a winning mindset.
"Ian joins Jaguar TCS Racing at a particularly relevant time for the Jaguar Brand – as hardware and software technology proven on-track will transfer to the next generation of Jaguar all-electric road cars previewed by Type 00 – and also for Formula E as we are only a year away from the GEN4 era of regulations. I’m looking forward to working with Ian on leading the team to further success."
Mitch Evans is currently the only confirmed Jaguar driver for the upcoming 12th season of the all-electric series, with his new team-mate yet to be announced following Nick Cassidy's move to Citroen.
It is widely expected to be Antonio Felix da Costa, whose exit from Porsche was made official last week.
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