IMI Finalises Powerhouse Board to Drive the Future of Automotive Professionals

New ‘dream team’ brings together vast experience to secure the future of the automotive industry

In the final instalment in a series of board appointments, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has added a further six new Non-Executive Directors (NEDs). The now complete board, chaired by Graeme Potts, boasts a team of 13 NEDs each bringing a wealth of experience, insight and expertise.

The new NEDs are confirmed as:

• Andy Hamilton, President and Executive Managing Director of LKQ Europe
• Jeremy Hicks, Market Performance Director at Jaguar Land Rover and Non-Executive Director at motor industry charity, Ben
• George Ashford, former CEO of Inchcape UK
• Adrian Dally, Director of Motor Finance and Strategy at the Finance & Leasing Association
• Linda Ford, an experienced CEO and non-executive director currently holding roles with the Association of Accounting Technicians, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, National Association of Funeral Directors Discipline Committee
• Paul Philip, Chief Executive of The Solicitors Regulation Authority

For a list of the complete IMI Board visit the IMI’s website.

Graeme Potts, recently appointed Chair of the IMI Board commented: “These additional appointments, along with the other NEDs already announced, put us in a great position to lead the IMI in this ever-evolving and game-changing era for the industry. Together they share the same commitment to the automotive workforce that the rest of the board holds, and their wide range of backgrounds, experience and perspectives will be hugely beneficial to the work of the IMI and the wider industry, increasing diversity and closing skills gaps to futureproof the sector.”

Adrian Dally, who is joining the Nomination, Remuneration & Governance Committee, said of his new role: “I am proud to join the Board of the IMI and support its mission to develop the professionalism of all our colleagues on whom our sector customers rely.”

Joining the Educational & Professional Standards Committee, Andy Hamilton said: “I am passionate about protecting the future of the automotive aftermarket. As an industry, we need to strive to make sustainable, affordable mobility accessible to every workshop and bodyshop across the UK and Europe, while continuing to provide customers with genuine choices."

Paul Philip, appointed to the Educational & Professional Standards Committee, added “Joining the IMI offers me the opportunity to bring my previous experience in setting professional standards of competency to a totally different sector.”

Chairing the Education and Professional Standards Committee, Linda Ford said: “It is an exciting time to be joining the IMI, when its mission is even more vital to the motor sector. I hope my diversity of thought and breadth of experience will help ensure that the IMI maintains the highest possible standards in its qualifications and routes to professional registration as it seeks to grow its community of world class automotive talent.”  

Jeremy Hicks, joining the Educational & Professional Standards Committee, said: “The pace of change in our industry has never been so rapid and it is revolutionising not only the consumer offering, but also the skill sets our people require to deliver this. It is a privilege of join the IMI to support the executive team in driving increased relevance of our portfolio to this wonderful industry.  
    
As a member of the Nomination, Remuneration & Governance Committee, George Ashford, summed up his appointment: “I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to an industry that has afforded me so many fantastic career opportunities.”

With its new Board complete – and a CEO and CFO set to join this year – the IMI is entering a bold new era. Backed by a dynamic and diverse leadership team, the Institute is focused on championing the people who keep the sector moving, driving skills, standards and professionalism in a fast-changing industry.