IMI Executive Board votes to increase its Operational Team
After unprecedented growth over the past year, the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) Executive Board has decided to increase its Senior Operational Team and will commence recruitment of a Chief Operating Officer immediately. It is anticipated that the post will be filled with a commencement date of January 2009.
Chairman of the IMI's Executive Board and Aftersales Director of BMW Group UK, Steve Nash, said:
"The IMI became a Sector Skills Council just 11 months ago, taking over, where Automotive Skills left off. It has become very apparent that due to the large number of exciting and innovative projects taking place, all of which require an immense amount of operational planning against tight timescales and milestones that it is time to increase the senior team."
The Chief Operating Officer will complement the role of Chief Financial Officer, Allan Tyrer, who is also Company Secretary. Both posts will report to Sarah Sillars.
In its role as a Sector Skills Council and Professional Body the IMI has been the instigator of much positive advancement in the last 12 months. There are now over 10,000 accredited technicians through its industry leading ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) voluntary license to practice scheme. "Autocity" an on-line careers portal launched at the Motor Show in July, shows over 100 video clips of industry personnel describing and promoting their careers. Additionally, in September "Headlight" will commence giving schools a chance to teach national curriculum that links directly to the world of the automotive industry. This new initiative has the overriding aim of increasing the knowledge of pupils, teachers and parents alike in order to raise the profile of the industry as a serious career choice.
Sarah Sillars sees this next phase of organisational development as crucial. "With the opportunities ahead of us the IMI must ensure it is in the strongest possible place, with our experienced team to continue to identify and deliver tangible benefits, for members, employers and all our industry partners."
Subject to approval at the AGM in October 2008, Steve Nash will continue his exceptional period with the IMI by becoming President from April 2009. To enable the increasing demands on the Chairmen of Sector Skills Councils to be met, it is intended to ask the IMI's members to approve the appointment of Sarah Sillars (currently CEO) as Executive Chair from April 2009. The IMI's Executive Board fully supports this proposal.