He was Director of Strategy, and subsequently, Operations Director at Jaguar Racing from May 2001 to October 2004. He left as a result of restructuring following the sale of the company to Red Bull Racing and went to Rolls-Royce plc as Project Director for the redevelopment of the Bristol Site in February 2005. Sir John was elected President of Europe Air Sports in April 2004 and took up the position in November 2004, following the retirement of Oliver Burghelle (France). On 1 December 2005, he was appointed Gentleman Usher to the Sword of State.