Monday April 21, 01:54 PM
Geoff Polites, the UK-based chief executive of Jaguar and Land Rover, has died in Melbourne while visiting his hometown for the birth of his first grandchild.
The former Ford Australia president became critically ill and died over the weekend with his wife and family by his side, Ford Australia president Bill Osborne said in a statement.
He was 60 years old.
Mr Osborne said Mr Polites would be remembered as a keen Sydney Swans supporter who was dedicated to his family.
His untimely passing had "robbed his family, friends and colleagues of a dedicated, focused and determined man who was an inspiration to everyone he met," Mr Osborne said.
"Geoff was home in Australia for the birth of his first grandchild and, unfortunately, became critically ill while here.
"He passed away with his wife and family by his side."
Mr Osborne said Mr Polites had battled ill health for the past two years, but remained determined to return the Ford-owned Jaguar and Land Rover brands to profitability.
"His energy, enthusiasm and support for our business will be sorely missed."
Mr Polites, who had worked in the automotive industry for almost 40 years, is credited with steering the British luxury brands through the ongoing sale process to India's Tata Motors Ltd.
He took over the top post with Jaguar and Land Rover in 2005.
Ford, in March, announced it was selling its Jaguar and Land Rover businesses to Tata in a deal that was expected to net the US carmaker $US1.7 billion ($A1.82 billion) - about a third of the price it paid for the brands.
Ford bought Jaguar for $US2.5 billion ($A2.67 billion) in 1989 and Land Rover for $US2.7 billion ($A2.88 billion) in 2000.
A statement from the Detroit-based Ford company also paid tribute to Mr Polites' efforts to turn around the fortunes of the luxury brands.
"He was a trusted colleague and someone who was much respected, not just by his peers but by all who had the privilege to work with him," Ford Motor Company president and chief executive officer Alan Mulally said in a statement.
"Our sympathies are with his wife and family at this difficult time."
David Smith, Jaguar Land Rover's chief financial officer, will take over as the acting chief executive officer at Jaguar Land Rover until a successor is appointed.
Mr Polites was born in Melbourne and joined Ford Australia in 1970 as a product planner.
He completed training in the US and Europe before again joining Ford Australia in 1975 as marketing and research manager.
He held several posts with Ford until 1988, when he resigned to work with the City Ford dealership in Sydney.
In 1999, he sold his interests in City Ford and rejoined Ford Australia as its president, presiding over the introduction of the BA Falcon in 2002 and the Ford Territory in 2004.