ZF appoints Jake Morris to lead UK R&D hub

ZF has appointed Jake Morris as site leader for ZF Hub UK, the supplier’s research and development facility located in Solihull, with the role effective from 1 January 2026. Morris, who has more than 25 years of experience at ZF across portfolio management, commercial finance, purchasing and engineering, replaces Bal Panaser, who is retiring after more than four decades in the automotive industry.

Morris was most recently Portfolio Director, leading global steering product strategies with a focus on technologies including steer-by-wire. He will continue to support ZF’s steer-by-wire strategy alongside his new responsibilities.

The Solihull site moved to a purpose-built facility in 2021 and houses testing capabilities supporting development across automotive, industrial and aerospace applications. ZF said technologies including its autonomous driving and steer-by-wire systems originated at the location.

In a statement, Morris said: “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. 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.”

Source: ZF