David Jones, a former boss of London high street clothing brand Next, has been named as the chairman of Noble, the British supercar manufacturer whose cars are partly built by Port Elizabeth specialist Jimmy Price’s company Hi-Tech Automotive.
David Jones, a former boss of London high street clothing brand Next, has been named as the chairman of Noble, the British supercar manufacturer whose cars are partly built by Port Elizabeth specialist Jimmy Price’s company Hi-Tech Automotive.
It’s certainly a change of direction for Jones, who was chief executive at the fashion chain for 14 years, and became chairman in May last year. He’s also held senior roles at clothing catalogue firms Kays and Grattons.
“I’ve always had a passion for cars, and after spotting a Noble M12 GTO in a magazine, I was convinced it was the kind of company I’d like to join,” Jones said.
Recently, BBC Top Gear personality Jeremy Clarkson gave his own “Car of the Year” award to the Noble M12 GTO, describing it as “the only car to have really risen from the fruit salad of mediocrity like a big dollop of delicious whipped cream”.
Jones will take over as chairman from Tony Moy, who retired in May. His background was also unorthodox for a car boss, having been a founder of the Page and Moy travel agency.
A Noble spokesman confirmed it did have its own range of branded clothing for fans, but couldn’t comment on whether Jones would be involved in expanding it.
