Charles Morgan Out at Morgan Motor Company. Intrigue and Family Infighting at Revered Marque?
For the first time in 103 years, Morgan Motor Company is being run by someone other than a Morgan family member. Charles Morgan, the grandson of H.F.S. Morgan, who founded the most traditional of British specialty carmakers, is no longer employed by the company, according to Morgan Technologies, an affiliate company to Morgan Motor.
The separation is apparently not voluntary, with Morgan telling Autocar that he is appealing the decision. Charles Morgan joined the family firm in 1985, working next to his father Peter until the latter’s 1999 retirement. Charles has been chairman of Morgan since 2003 and very much the public face of the company. Under his direction the company has had record growth, introduced new models, adopted modern aluminum construction for their chassis, and reintroduced the Morgan 3 Wheeler to great critical acclaim.
Behind the scenes, though, there appears to have been some kind of power struggle, perhaps within the Morgan family itself, since the firm continues to be 100% privately held by family members.In March, following a decision by company stockholders and the board of directors, operations director Steve Morris replaced Charles Morgan as managing director. A company statement at the time said, “Charles Morgan will concentrate on his vital role as the face of Morgan internationally, promoting the brand and selling the company’s products worldwide.”
Morgan Aeromax
The change was described at the time by all parties as amicable though there were rumors that the board of directors was not satisfied with Charles Morgan’s performance managing the company’s growth. A Morgan spokesman said then, “It gives Charles the time to do what he needs to do on an international level, and it felt like a natural progression for Steve.” Nick Baker, MMC sales manager also said at the time, “Charles will remain the figurehead of Morgan. His role is now to focus on opening doors and creating the market.”
Apparently the situation has changed since March. In a statement released yesterday by Morgan Technologies Ltd. the company focused on pleasant news, “Over recent months, and in response to the growth in volumes, model range and overseas markets, the management team has been strengthened across a number of different areas, reflecting the scale and complexity of an increasingly global business.” However, after the release of that statement Morgan Motor Company confirmed to Autocar that Charles Morgan “is no longer involved in the running of the business” or on the company’s board of directors.
Morgan 3 Wheeler
Part of Morgan’s role as brand ambassador involved social media and after the announcement was made, his Twitter account started retweeting messages of condolence sent to him. One of his more recent personal tweets quotes Kenyan politician Mwai Kibaki, who famously said: “Leadership is a privilege to better the lives of others. It is not an opportunity to satisfy personal greed.”
Following the confirmation, Charles Morgan told Autocar that, “I am appealing the decision”, without elaboration. He continues to be a shareholder in the company.
The company has so far not named a successor to replace Charles Morgan as brand ambassador.
Ronnie Schreiber edits Cars In Depth, the original 3D car site.
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Myself, I am amazed that a company that builds such ugly vehicles has managed to survive this long.
In reading this, I missed where I need to send my resume'