SMMT appoints three new vice presidents

Posted on 24 Aug 2011 by The Manufacturer

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has appointed three new vice presidents.

SMMT appoints three new vice presidents

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced the appointment of three new vice presidents yesterday (Monday 22).

The three new appointees, chosen by SMMT’s president Nigel Stein are Robin Woolcock, managing director of Volkswagen Group UK; Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK and Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover. As well as holding presidency at the SMMT, Stein is CEO of GKN Driveline.

Abbott expressed his excitement at becoming vice president in such a “fascinating” time in the industry’s history. “Never has this business been more dynamic or changing so fast and I know that everybody at the SMMT relishes tackling the challenges ahead.”

As an established member of the SMMT’s board, Woolcock stated his desire to use his experience to help the SMMT deal with any future problems faced by the automotive industry. He spoke of the “great honour” the new position brought to him and Volkswagen Group UK.

Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover pointed to the importance of the UK’s automotive sector: “Automotive R&D and advanced manufacturing is one of the UK’s leading export industries, making this an important and exciting period as our sector leads economic growth.”

The president of the SMMT selects vice presidents from the executive board. The deputy president, currently Joe Greenwell, oversees the strategic direction of the society’s work. Greenwell is current Chairman of Ford in Britain.

Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK.

Robin Woolcock, managing director of Volkswagen Group UK.

Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover.

George Archer