IMI announces Leadership Transition

Interim Executive Chair to step down and Interim CEO appointed

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced that Kevin Finn, Interim Executive Chair of the Board, will be stepping down from his role, effective from 31st March 2025. The IMI’s Board of Directors has appointed Sarah Sillars OBE, Hon FIMI as its Interim Chief Executive Officer, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership as the company continues its search for a permanent CEO.

Kevin Finn has served on the IMI Board for over five years, as Chair from January 2020-July 2024, and Interim Executive Chair from August 2024. He has played a pivotal role in guiding the IMI through significant milestones, including further expansion of its international operations, growing its member community to over 110,000 and the launch of the ‘There’s More To Motor’ campaign, aimed at supporting the industry with its continued high vacancy challenges.

“It has been an honour to serve as Chair and more recently Interim Executive Chair of the IMI, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Kevin Finn. “I am confident that Sarah Sillars and the entire leadership team will continue to drive the organisation forward and uphold our commitment to excellence.”

Sarah Sillars becomes Interim CEO, effective from April 1st.  Sarah brings her prior experience of being CEO of the IMI between 2002-2009, and subsequently as Executive Chair. She is currently a Vice President, making her well equipped to lead the IMI during this transition. More recently, Sarah has served as Non-Executive Director for both Remit Training and Citygate Automotive, as well as maximising her wealth of sector experience by acting as a skills champion and ambassador for other organisations.  

“We are grateful for Kevin’s contribution to the IMI,” said Jim Saker, IMI President and Emeritus Professor of Loughborough University. “As we move forward, we are confident in Sarah’s ability to guide the organisation and maintain our focus on delivering value to our members, centres and the wider automotive sector.”

The IMI Board will continue its formal search process for a permanent CEO and executive team, as well as recruitment for several Non-Executive Director vacancies. During this period, Sarah will work closely with the internal team to ensure continuity in operations and strategic initiatives.