IMI announces changes to its governance structure
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced a number of planned changes to its governance structure including the move of its current Chief Executive, Sarah Sillars to the position of Executive Chair. These changes are effective from 1 November 2009.
For the past two years, the IMI has been licensed as the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for automotive retail sector and together with the role of professional association for the industry; the IMI has seen a period of unprecedented growth.
Under the new changes, Professor Garel Rhys has stepped down as President of the Institute following five years in this role, he moves to become a Vice-President; he is replaced as President by the current Chairman of the IMI, Steve Nash who retains his position on the board.
Day to day management of the business will now be the responsibility of Chief Operating Officer, Linda Stansfield, together with Group Finance Director, Edith Yembra. Both positions will still report to Sarah Sillars in her new capacity as Executive Chair. The principal responsibility of the Executive Chair is to implement the Strategic and Annual business plans and to oversee the financial security of the IMI. Sarah will continue to lead the external ambassadorial role for the IMI within the industry, along with the President, Vice Presidents and Group Board. Steve Nash will remain as the lead employer voice for the sector when liaising with the Government on behalf of the SSC.
Commenting on these changes outgoing President Garel Rhys said:
“The Institute stands out as one of the beacons of the automotive industry in the United Kingdom. It has a powerful vision, a clear mission and strong ethical values that will guide its future strategy and actions. As outgoing President, I am delighted with the achievements and progress the IMI has made over the past five years and I'm sure these will continue under the new President and senior team."
Newly appointed President of the IMI and Aftersales Director of BMW Group UK, Steve Nash, said:
“Since becoming Chairman of the IMI in 2004, the Institute has gone through a period of tremendous change not least becoming the Sector Skills Council for the automotive retail industry in 2007. This role greatly increases our influence and enables the Institute to continue to affect change in the industry and to support the wider constituency more effectively. I am delighted to now take up the position of President where I hope to be able to continue to support the work of the IMI and its objectives to make a positive difference to the way in which the automotive industry develops into the future.”
The IMI understands that an essential part of its future success will be to provide stakeholders, employers and its members, with the guidance, skills development opportunities, career advice and professional recognition that will enable them to prosper despite challenging trading conditions.
With the IMI now widely recognised as the SSC and following the Government’s announcement last week to renew the licence, the decision has been taken to cease using the Automotive Skills name and brand which will assist the IMI in communicating a singularly representative voice in raising skill levels and standards of professionalism across the motor industry and improve its engagement with businesses across the sector.
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