The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has appointed Michael Hawes as its new chief executive.
Michael Hawes has been confirmed as the new CEO for SMMT, the trade body representing the UK automotive industry.
Mr Hawes joins SMMT from Bentley Motors where he held a number of PR, corporate and public affairs roles. He has also worked for automotive manufacturers Toyota and Volkswagen AG.
Mr Hawes’ career spans more than 20 years and has built strong expertise in policy and public affairs. An SMMT statement said he has the European and global knowledge needed for his new “challenging role”.
Hawes will take up his position this autumn. On the announcement of SMMT’s decision today he said: “I am very proud to be joining the SMMT as its new Chief Executive. The SMMT is a highly respected and influential trade association, valued by all stakeholders.”
Tim Abbott, SMMT president, welcomed Hawes into the society saying: “Mike brings a tremendous amount of expertise, both in terms of automotive industry experience and the skills necessary for the job. He has built a strong personal reputation and is credited with establishing a number of strategic relationships which have benefited the automotive companies for which he has worked.”
Mr Abbot took the time to thank Mike Baunton who has acted as interim CEO for SMMT since the previous incumbent, Paul Everitt, left to take up the leadership of aerospace and defence trade body ADS. Mr Baunton will now become Chairman and Non-Executive Director of SMMT Industry Forum.
Representing the UK automotive industry, SMMT speaks for a sector with an annual turnover of approximately £55bn and which supports 700,000 jobs. Ten per cent of UK exports come from the automotive industry and it generates around £12bn GVA for the UK economy.
