Automotive & Mobility Heavy-Weights join IMI Board

Auto Trader Commercial Director and CEO of FISITA appointed as Non-Executive Directors

The Institute of the Motor Industry has announced the appointment of two new Non-Executive Directors, complementing the broad experience already on its Board. Ian Plummer, Commercial Director of the Auto Trader Group plc and Chris Mason, CEO of FISITA, the international membership organisation, will bring new insight and perspectives to the professional body.

A recruitment campaign that saw more than 60 applicants set out to fill vacancies on the Board in the Automotive and Professional Body sectors. As Vice President, Sarah Sillars OBE who Chaired the Nominations Committee explained, the goal was to bring new individuals onto the Board with first-hand experience of the changing dynamics of automotive as well as additional experience in member-based organisations.

“As the net zero targets are coming sharply into focus, our members are facing multiple challenges, from recruitment and skills training to consumer confidence in the new automotive technologies. We, therefore, wanted to complement the already extensive sector experience with individuals who bring new perspectives. We also wanted to bring fresh insight from a member-based organisation perspective. 

“With a strong understanding of the automotive retail market, Ian Plummer will add to the conversations about how the IMI can support the transition to the government’s net zero targets. As CEO of FISITA, a membership organisation within the global automotive and mobility system sector, Chris Mason’s experience in member-based organisations will help the IMI continue to build its member values in the UK and around the world.”

With a 36 year career in the automotive and professional body sectors CEO of FISITA, Chris Mason FIMI, previously held various roles during a 14 year career with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, including Managing Director of subsidiary Motor Codes Ltd. Commenting on his appointment he said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as a Non-Executive Director to the IMI Board. I believe I bring valuable experience in developing the role of a professional member-based organisation, having overseen the extensive modernisation of FISITA over the last 7 years. I look forward to working with the IMI team, adding value in support of the continued success and advancement of the organisation at a time of exciting challenge and opportunity in what I firmly believe is one of the best industries in which to build a career.”

Ian Plummer’s extensive automotive experience spanning more than two decades encompasses both the OEM sector, with senior roles at Volkswagen Group and Renault-Nissan Alliance, and the fast-moving world of the new and used car marketplace. Having spent the last five years at Auto Trader Group, he will bring to the IMI Board a particularly important insight into consumer behaviours. 

“The entire automotive industry is entering a period of unprecedented change, full of both challenges and exciting opportunities. My experience working for OEMs as well as retailers, in the UK and internationally, taught me the essential value of people skills in our sector. More recently, my time at Auto Trader has allowed a much closer understanding of the fast-growing role of digital skills in the transformation ahead of us. I’m therefore excited to have the opportunity to support the IMI and its many partners as we tackle together the automotive transition required in the years to come.”