For almost 30 years, Magda Koster has been at the heart of JLR’s evolution, building a career that has traversed dealership operations, national leadership and international assignments at the company’s global headquarters in the United Kingdom
Few leaders have experienced the business from as many perspectives, giving her a unique understanding of what it takes to translate global strategy into meaningful customer experiences across diverse markets.
Today, as Parts and Accessories and Customer Service Commercial Manager for JLR SA and SSA, Magda plays a pivotal role in shaping the ownership experience long after customers drive their vehicles off the showroom floor. Leading commercial strategy across parts, after-sales and customer service, she is responsible for ensuring that every interaction reflects the premium standards, craftsmanship and modern luxury philosophy synonymous with the JLR.
For Magda, that premium ownership experience is increasingly defined by convenience, responsiveness and simplicity. Customers expect high-quality parts with quick turnaround times and minimal vehicle downtime, supported by skilled technicians capable of resolving issues correctly the first time. Convenience measures such as vehicle collection and drop-off also demonstrate respect for customers’ time, while prompt and transparent communication helps build the trust that ultimately encourages customers to return to the brand.
Throughout a career defined by continuous growth and transformation, Magda has remained guided by a leadership philosophy built on integrity, transparency and trust. Whether working alongside retailers, global colleagues or regional teams, she believes that authentic leadership is rooted in empowering people, fostering collaboration and creating environments where individuals feel valued, respected and inspired to contribute their best.
Her experience across different levels of the business has also shaped the way she approaches decision-making. Having worked close to customers as well as within broader national and global structures, Magda understands both the need for quick, impactful decisions at retail level and the complexities that can require more time at manufacturing and global level. She is known for acting quickly and believes strongly in respecting other people’s time.
Her international experience across Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin America has reinforced an important leadership lesson: while every market, culture and customer is different, the foundations of successful relationships remain the same. Listening with intent, communicating openly and building trust are universal principles that transcend borders and create lasting business success.
That experience has also taught her that respect and trust can look different across cultures. Some teams value open debate with leaders, while others place greater emphasis on hierarchy; in some markets trust is built through speed and delivery, while in others personal relationships and consistency carry greater weight. For Magda, effective global leadership therefore requires adapting communication to the audience while recognising that one size does not fit all.
Passionate about leading through change, Magda sees transformation not as a process imposed on people, but as a journey undertaken with them. She believes that meaningful progress happens when leaders communicate with honesty, demonstrate empathy and create a shared sense of purpose, enabling teams to embrace change with confidence rather than resist it.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve through digital innovation, electrification and changing customer expectations, Magda remains committed to developing future-ready teams while delivering exceptional customer experiences. Looking back on a career spanning nearly three decades, she hopes her legacy will not simply be measured by commercial success, but by the trust she earned, the people she inspired and the positive impact she made on every team and every role she had the privilege to serve.