Press Release
ZF appoints Jake Morris Site Leader for UK Research & Development Hub
- Appointment reinforces ZF’s commitment to UK innovation and operational excellence.
- The UK R&D Hub, with 60+ years of automotive innovation, has driven advances in Autonomous and Steer-by-Wire technologies.
- Bal Panaser retires after over 40 years of industry contribution.
Solihull, UK, ZF Group has appointed Jake Morris as the new Site Leader for ZF Hub UK located in Blythe Valley Business Park, Solihull, effective January 1, 2026. In this role, Morris is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of the site which moved to its purpose built, sustainable technical center in 2021, strengthening ZF’s manufacturing and research and development footprint in the UK and supporting the company’s global technology and growth ambitions.
Alongside his new responsibilities, Morris will continue to play a key role in advancing ZF’s Steer-by-Wire strategy, supporting global product development, customer engagement, and profitability commitments.
Morris 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 serves as Portfolio Director, where he leads global steering product strategies with a strong focus on next-generation mobility technologies including Steer-by-Wire. His career reflects deep expertise in cross-functional leadership, customer development, profitability management, and delivering complex global programs.
Commenting on his appointment, Jake 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. For instance, technologies including ZF’s autonomous driving and Steer-by-Wire technologies began life at the site. 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 an exceptional career spanning more than four decades in the automotive industry. Bal has been instrumental in shaping ZF’s UK operations and leaves behind a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and customer-focused excellence.
As Site Leader for ZF Hub UK, Morris will focus on driving operational excellence, fostering collaboration across teams, and further enhancing the site’s contribution to ZF’s global technology roadmap and customer partnerships.
The site plays a key role within ZF’s UK operations, contributing to advanced engineering, product development, and customer-focused innovation across ZF’s portfolio. With its base in the heart of the UK’s automotive business sector, The Hub also houses a significant testing facility, supporting the development of both ZF and external customer technologies across automotive, industrial, and aerospace industries.
