5:26 pm, November 29, 2012
THE new faces of the SMMT – who support the interests of UK-based automotive companies – have been revealed.
Tim Abbott, managing director of BMW UK will take up the position of president – taking over from Nigel Stein, chief executive of GKN in January next year.
Giving his leaving speech, given at the event in London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, Stein discussed the successful year in the UK automotive industry – despite a difficult economic situation in the rest of Europe.
‘I am proud of the progress we have seen in the last two years while I’ve been SMMT President and I am pleased to say that the Society is in a strong position,’ said Stein.
‘While 2013 continues to look challenging, especially for those of us with European markets, our job is to build on the excellent work that has put us in the best position for decades and to take the sector to the next level.’
Talking about his new appointment Abbott said he was honoured to succeed Stein as president. ‘Under his leadership the SMMT has done an excellent job in promoting the industry,’ he said, ‘especially the supply chain, ensuring it receives the recognition it deserves as an important contributor to the UK economy.’
In addition to Abbott’s appointment, two additional vice presidents were also announced. First is Mark Ovenden, managing director of Ford of Britain; and second Gareth Jones, managing director of ebm-papst automotive and drives UK.
