Interpath has strengthened its automotive advisory capabilities with the appointment of Ian Harnett, an industry expert with nearly four decades of experience at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), as a special adviser on production, supply chain management and strategic growth.
Interpath said his extensive experience will be instrumental as it develops its advisory offerings for the automotive sector, especially as it faces the transformative shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
Harnett’s career in the automotive industry began in 1982 with British Leyland, and he played a crucial role in the growth of JLR, where he eventually held the role of executive director for human resources and global purchasing, serving on the main board.
Over a 38-year tenure, he helped scale JLR’s workforce, tripling revenues, and deepening the company’s engagement with UK-based suppliers.
Notably, he led JLR’s transition team during its divestiture from Ford, demonstrating his ability to navigate complex organisational shifts.
At Interpath, Harnett will join the firm’s advisory committee and work alongside the automotive advisory team led by director Lee Swinerd.
His focus will be on guiding the firm’s engagements across mergers, acquisitions, restructuring, and operational consulting.
Harnett said: “The team at Interpath has already built an impressive track record in the automotive sector, working across the supply chain and with leading OEMs. The ambition to deepen that expertise for clients is incredibly exciting, and I look forward to helping clients navigate the critical transition from ICE to EVs.”
Mark Raddan, CEO of Interpath, who previously worked with Harnett during his time at JLR, added: “Ian’s extensive experience and knowledge will help expand and further develop our offering in the automotive sector. His contributions will be a significant asset to Interpath’s continued growth and expertise in automotive advisory.”