Thatcham has announced the appointment of Neale Phillips to a new position of strategy director on its management board.

Phillips, who joins with a wealth of previous director level experience at both AA Insurance and Centrica, will play a key role in developing the future business strategy of the automotive research centre under the stewardship of new chief executive Peter Shaw.

With a broad background in insurance and financial services, marketing, product management and online development, Phillips’ first priority will be to lead the preparation of Thatcham’s new 3 year plan, which will seek to reinforce the core strengths of the business, whilst taking the company on to new heights in the future.

CEO Peter Shaw said: “It’s a pleasure to officially welcome Neale to Thatcham, following the work he has already undertaken on a consultancy basis to take stock of the business before its next phase of growth.

"Having worked with Neale before, I am well aware of his abilities and look forward to working with him during this exciting period in Thatcham’s development.”