IN BRIEF

• Winner of the Jaguar‑sponsored 2013 Guild of Motoring Writers Sir William Lyons Award is Ciaran O'Donnell Anderson
• Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum, is awarded the Guild of Motoring Writers President's Trophy for outstanding achievement in the field of international automobilism

IN DETAIL

(Whitley, Coventry ‑ 09 December 2013). The Guild of Motoring Writers (GoMW) Annual Dinner and Awards 2013, held at the Royal Automobile Club in London, saw Jaguar Executives both present and receive special honours. 

The first was the presentation of the GoMW Jaguar Sir William Lyons Award by Jaguar Land Rover Head of Global PR Communications Fiona Pargeter and Guild Chairman, Richard Aucock to budding young motoring journalist Ciaran O'Donnell Anderson, 19, from Heswall, Merseyside.   

Fiona Pargeter, said: "All six finalists really impressed us with their talents and understanding of modern motoring journalism, but Ciaran's work stood out for its very original and engaging style ‑ huge congratulations to him as he embarks on a career that many dream of but only few achieve."

Ciaran entered the competition by writing an analysis piece on 'What Defines a Premium Car in 2013' and was shortlisted with five other finalists.  The final six went on to conduct a two‑week editorial campaign around their features, using modern social media methods to promote, debate and develop their work.  Three were then selected following the social media campaign, and subsequently assessed by a panel representing the GoMW and award sponsor Jaguar.  Ciaran was selected as the winner, with fellow entrant Rachael Hogg highly commended.

Guild of Motoring Writers Chairman, Richard Aucock, said: "I would like to thank Jaguar Land Rover for sponsoring this special award. We changed the format of the Sir William Lyons Award slightly this year to include a modern social media element, which we believe has given the finalists more opportunity to showcase their talents and in turn the Guild more opportunity to promote the skills of new and up‑and‑coming writers." 

Receiving his award, Ciaran O'Donnell Anderson said: "I feel honoured to join a group of award winners that date back to 1966 when Jaguar's founder Sir William Lyons established this initiative for budding young motoring journalists.  If I can go on to achieve what many previous winners have accomplished in this industry, it will be a dream come true."

Ian Callum awarded GoMW President's Trophy by Nick Mason

Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum, was also honoured with the President's Trophy, awarded by Guild President Nick Mason in consultation with the Guild Committee for outstanding achievement in the field of international automobilism. 

Presenting the trophy to Ian Callum, Nick Mason said: "This year, the trophy is going to the man who perhaps more than any other has shaped the look of many of the cars that we all drive each day ‑ someone who had already decided on his future career by the age 14 ‑ Ian Callum. 

"Ian's back catalogue includes greats such as the Aston Martin DB7, the breakthrough Jaguar XF and the stunning Jaguar F‑TYPE: he's led the design revolution at Jaguar that has helped transform the brand and leaves it on the cusp of the biggest product breakthrough in its history.  Outstanding achievements indeed and a fitting recipient of the 2013 Guild of Motoring Writers President's Trophy."

‑ ENDS ‑

Dan Connell | Global Brand PR and Communications Manager
E: dconnel1@jaguarlandrover.com | T: +44 (0)7880 177307

Anna Jackson | Press Officer
E: ajackso1@jaguarlandrover.com | T: +44 (0)7736 912717

EDITORS' NOTES

About Ian Callum

From the moment he laid eyes on the Jaguar XJ6 when he was 14, Ian Callum knew he'd found his dream job. Inspired, he sent some sketches to the then Chief Engineer, Bill Heynes, who encouraged him to follow his heart. 

Early on, American cars had a big influence on him. "I recognised the design in them, almost the exaggeration of design. They were definitely more expressive, and in my mind, America was extremely glamorous… The '65 Buick Riviera was my favourite. And it didn't come from seeing the cars ‑ it came from not being able to see them." 

Ian studied at the Glasgow School of Art before taking a Masters in Vehicle Design at the Royal College of Art in London. His talents had already been noted by Ford and for 12 years he was involved in designing some of the company's best‑loved cars before joining TWR, where he took on high‑profile projects for the likes of Aston Martin (the DB7, Vanquish and DB9), Ford Puma, Volvo C70 and Nissan R390. 

Then, in 1999, Ian got the call he'd been waiting for all his life: the chance to be Design Director of Jaguar. 

His understanding of, and respect for, the brand's creators is clear in the cars he and his team have created. "We know how intently our predecessors pushed the boundaries of design and technology. Jaguar has always been a forward thinking company and that philosophy informs the work we do to this day." 

This is clearly demonstrated by Ian's work on the transformation of the range with award‑winning designs for the XK, XF and XJ, and now with the new F‑TYPE. 

"Jaguars are about great proportions, fantastic silhouettes… the optimum expression of metal… I've always believed any good design can be drawn in two or three lines." 

You might think that successfully designing new Jaguars might be hindered by the weight of heritage and previous successes. Ian isn't phased: "My point of judgment is always: what would Sir William Lyons think of this? And I honestly think he'd approve, hugely." 

Not content to rest on his laurels, Ian leads a talented team who are working every day to perfect the Jaguar of the future. Ask him which car he's most proud of, his answer is simple: "The next one!"

Ciaran O'Donnell Anderson

Ciaran's piece on 'What Defines a Premium Car in 2013' can be read at http://www.gomw.co.uk/blog/152‑ciaran‑o‑donnell‑anderson‑what‑defines‑a‑premium‑vehicle‑in‑2013.html and to keep up to date with his Twitter feed, follow @PremiumFactor.