IMI appoints three non-executive directors to help shape its future

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has appointed three new non-executive directors to its board to help guide the organisation's future.

Benjamin Hill, former chief financial officer (CFO) of Nominet UK, Paula Cooper, who recently completely her tenure as a Toyota GB board director and Sukhi Clark, head of accessible vehicles at Motability Operations, bring diverse backgrounds, both personally and professionally.

Hill, the new chair of the IMI’s Audit & Risk Management Committee, adds strength to the IMI’s long-term ambition to deliver sustainable growth through good governance and sound risk management thanks to his background in senior leadership at Unipart Group and Nominet UK.

Speaking on his announcement, Hill said: "My role as non-executive director and audit and risk management committee chair for the IMI enables me to combine my automotive passion and financial experience to help steer this prestigious organisation towards a clear growth plan based on solid foundations.

"It is a privilege to help shape the future of such an organisation."

A beacon for automotive professionals

Joining Hill on the audit & risk management committee is Cooper.  

Cooper, who has been an advocate of the IMI’s There’s More to Motor campaign, brings a wealth of experience in customer-focused transformation, digital innovation and people development from her senior leadership roles at Toyota GB.

A champion of skills, mentoring and diversity, she has been recognised in recent years with the Automotive 30% Club’s Inspiring Woman Award and the IMI President’s Award.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to join the IMI Board and support its ambitions,” Cooper said.

“Industry, technology, consumers and regulations are evolving rapidly, and the IMI has an important role to play.

"I hope to support it thriving in providing a relevant, effective and exemplary range of services; to be a beacon for automotive professionals and attracting more people to desire a career in automotive with the vast range of exciting, rewarding and enjoyable opportunities available.”

Meanwhile, Clark joins the IMI board on the nomination, remuneration & governance committee.

Clark, a passionate advocate for inclusive design for vehicles as well as skills development, leads on accessible vehicle solutions for Motability Operations, and is a Visiting Professor of Design & Engineering at Birmingham City University.

She is committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers and creating a more inclusive sector for all.

“With the motor industry undergoing significant transformation and facing critical skills shortages, I am passionate about helping organisations prepare for future challenges,” said Clark.

“Joining the Board as an NED offers a meaningful opportunity to influence positive, long-term change across the industry.

"I want to support the IMI in driving initiatives that attract diverse talent, promote lifelong professional learning, and ensure the sector remains innovative, inclusive and resilient.”

Graeme Potts, chair of the IMI’s board, said, “I am proud to welcome Benjamin, Paula and Sukhi to the IMI Board.

"Their collective experience exemplifies our belief that a diverse board drives better decisions.

"These appointments will help us better reflect the evolving automotive workforce and ensure the IMI continues to champion the highest standards of professionalism, inclusion and innovation.”

Reflecting the IMI’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion – and its belief that diverse teams make better decisions – the appointments bring gender balance and experience from different job roles and functions to the heart of IMI governance.

Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks as the IMI completes its wider board refresh.

Potts, who is also Eden Automotive chief executive, joined the IMI as its new chair earlier this month.

Daksh Gupta, IMI vice president and recently appointed non-executive chairman of Hendy Group is driving the recruitment process to find a new chief executive for the organisation.