Jake Morris has been appointed to head up the ZF Hub UK in Solihull. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the site, fostering collaboration across teams, and enhancing the site’s contribution to ZF’s global technology roadmap and customer relations. Morris will also continue to play a key part in advancing ZF’s steer-by-wire initiative.
He brings more than 25 years of experience within ZF, having held a number of senior leadership positions across portfolio management, commercial finance, purchasing and engineering. Most recently, he served as portfolio director, leading global steering product strategies with a strong focus on next-generation technologies such as steer-by-wire. He brings hands-on experience leading cross-functional teams, developing customers, managing profitability and executing complex global initiatives.
“I am proud to take on this role and to lead the talented teams at the ZF Hub UK. The site has a strong legacy within both ZF and the automotive industry, with significant history of automotive technology development and testing. For instance, ZF’s autonomous driving and steer-by-wire technologies began life at the site,” Morris said. “I look forward to working closely with colleagues and partners to continue delivering innovative technology solutions for our customers and supporting ZF’s long-term success.”
This leadership transition follows the retirement of Bal Panaser, who concludes a career spanning more than four decades in the automotive industry. Panaser was instrumental in shaping ZF’s UK operations and leaves behind a legacy of innovation, collaboration and customer-focused excellence.
The site plays an important role in ZF’s UK operations, supporting engineering, testing and development across the company’s portfolio. Located in the heart of the UK’s automotive sector, the center encompasses a major testing lab for technologies for both ZF and external customers, across automotive and other industries. The purpose-built facility, which expanded ZF’s manufacturing and research and development presence in the UK, opened in 2021.
In related news, Real-world road tests highlight the performance and CO₂ savings of the ZF TraXon 2 Hybrid