Chris Mason, managing director of Motor Codes, is leaving to head a European motor engineering organisation.

He has been recruited by FISITA, the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Ingénieurs des Techniques de l'Automobile which is the umbrella organisation for the national automotive engineering societies in 37 countries, and will take on the role of its chief executive and company secretary on August 1.

Paul Mascarenas, president elect of FISITA and chief technical officer and vice president of Ford Motor Company, said: “We are delighted to welcome Chris to FISITA. His extensive industry experience and proven track record at SMMT and Motor Codes make him the ideal candidate to lead the team going forward.

Since joining SMMT in 2000, Mason has been a driving force behind the motor industry’s approach to raising standards and through Motor Codes has successfully established government-backed initiatives that covered new car sales, service and repair and vehicle warranties.

FISITA is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation supported by the global automotive industry in bringing engineers together in a spirit of cooperation to share ideas and advance the technological development of the automobile.