Automotive Skills’ chief executive Patricia Richards has left the company.

An interim management team has been appointed to support the executive of the sector skills council for the retail motor industry. The team will be headed by Sarah Sillars, who keeps her position as chief executive of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI).

Peter Johnson, chairman of Automotive Skills, said: "The work of the sector skills council must continue in its positive role in regard of competence standards and the need for professional accountability. The support of this highly experienced management team will ensure Automotive Skills continues its very encouraging progress to date."

Sarah Sillars said today: "Regrettable though these circumstances are, it is of the utmost importance that the skills agenda for the automotive sector remains unaffected and indeed, begins a fresh engagement with the industry. There is a tangible will to make a difference and we must harness this to deliver demonstrable improvements for the good of our sector and its customers."