Maurice Fernand Cary Wilks (19 August 1904 – 8 September 1963) was an English automotive and aeronautical engineer, and by the time of his death in 1963, was the chairman of the Rover Company.

[5] During World War II, Wilks led Rover's team developing Frank Whittle's gas turbine aircraft engines.

[5][10] Shortly after the war, whilst at his farm in Anglesey, Wilks, who used an army surplus Willys Jeep for farm work, and his brother Spencer who was visiting him, were inspired to develop and produce a utility four-wheel-drive vehicle for farmers, and the name Land Rover was coined for it.

[10] Maurice Wilks was a leading light in the establishment and development of the proving ground facilities of the Motor Industry Research Association.

[12] In January 1962 preferring policy to day-to-day management he was appointed chairman of the Rover Company in succession to his older brother Spencer Wilks.

Spencer Wilks and John Black of the Standard Motor Company married sisters, daughters of William Hillman bicycle and automobile manufacturer.