IMI leadership transition announced with new interim CEO
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has announced that Kevin Finn, interim executive chair of the board, will be stepping down from his role, effective 31 March 2025. The IMI’s Board of Directors has appointed Sarah Sillars OBE, Hon FIMI, as its interim chief executive officer, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership as the company continues its search for a permanent CEO.
Kevin Finn has served on the IMI board for more than five years, as chair from January 2020-July 2024, and interim executive chair from August 2024. He has played a pivotal role in guiding the IMI through significant milestones, including further expansion of its international operations, growing its member community to more than 110,000 and the launch of the “There’s More To Motor” campaign, aimed at supporting the industry with its continued high vacancy challenges.
IMI leadership transition
Finn said as the IMI leadership transition was announced:
“It has been an honour to serve as chair and more recently interim executive chair of the IMI, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together. I am confident that Sarah Sillars and the entire leadership team will continue to drive the organisation forward and uphold our commitment to excellence.”
Sillars becomes interim CEO, effective 1 April. She brings her prior experience of being CEO of the IMI between 2002-2009, and subsequently as executive chair. She is currently a vice-president, making her well equipped to lead the IMI during this transition. More recently, Sillars has served as non-executive director for both Remit Training and Citygate Automotive, as well as maximising her wealth of sector experience by acting as a skills champion and ambassador for other organisations.
Search continues
Jim Saker, IMI president and emeritus professor of Loughborough University, said: “We are grateful for Kevin’s contribution to the IMI. As we move forward, we are confident in Sarah’s ability to guide the organisation and maintain our focus on delivering value to our members, centres and the wider automotive sector.”
The IMI board will continue its formal search for a permanent CEO and executive team, as well as recruitment for several non-executive director vacancies. During this period, Sarah will work closely with the internal team to ensure continuity in operations and strategic initiatives.
