SIR Ralf Speth is to be the new chair of the board of directors of TVS Motor Company, the parent company of the Norton Motorcycle Company.
The news comes as Norton finalises the construction of its new factory in Solihull, expected to open by the end of June this year.
Most recently chief executive at Jaguar Land Rover for 11 years, Sir Ralf is widely acclaimed for the transformation of the brands, striving to transform the company into the global force it is today.
He was the recipient of a knighthood from the Queen in 2018 for his contributions to British industry, and also named as a Fellow of the Royal Society in 2020 for his passion for science.
His appointment comes when Norton Motorcycles is benefitting from significant new TVS investment in the brand.
Norton announced in January 2021 that it is to move into the most advanced manufacturing facility in the brand’s 122-year history in Solihull.
John Russell, interim chief executive of Norton Motorcycles, said: “We are truly delighted to welcome Sir Ralf to the TVS Motor Company family.
“This excellent appointment comes at a time when the Norton Motorcycles business is on a very positive trajectory but still with much work to do.
“We will soon be settled in our state-of-the-art new manufacturing base and the guidance of Sir Ralf will be important for us as a growing British business that has a strong legacy.”
Norton’s new Solihull factory base will be the central hub for all of the company’s operations, providing a permanent base for all staff.
The new headquarters will be home to design, engineering, purchasing, sales, marketing, and support teams as well as the skilled production team.
Some of the specialist tooling and equipment previously used by Norton has been carried over to the new site in Solihull, but the site is benefiting from substantial new investment.
