IMI unveils new leadership with Graeme Potts appointed chair

Eden Automotive chief Graeme Potts is to take the helm as chair of the board at the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)

Potts, who already serves as trustee and chair of the audit committee at automotive charity BEN, is charged with guiding the IMI’s long-term vision.

“I am delighted and honoured to have been appointed as chair of the IMI,” said Potts. “This is a pivotal time for the sector, and I look forward to leading a newly constituted board that will help shape the next phase of the IMI’s development.

"Our mission to advance professionalism and address the skills agenda remains central - now remodelled to reflect a fast-changing industry.”

Joining him on the board is Adrian Wallington, former commercial director at Marshall Motor Group and current chief commercial officer at Huws Gray. Wallington takes up a non-executive director.

“I am delighted and proud to be joining the board of the IMI at this pivotal time in its history,” said Wallington (pictured left). “The opportunity to give back to the automotive sector has been a huge motivation for me.”

Commenting on the appointments, IMI vice president and chair of the nomination committee Daksh Gupta said: “The automotive sector is changing, and the IMI must change with it to stay relevant.

“To close the skills gap and future-proof the workforce, we need leadership that’s committed, visionary, and deeply engaged with industry challenges. With Graeme Potts and our incoming board, we are building a platform for the next 100 years.”

These appointments mark the beginning of a full board refresh. Over the coming weeks, the IMI said it will announce nine further non-executive directors which it describes as a "dream team" of industry and cross-sector experts.

The search is still on for the next IMI chief executive with Gupta driving the recruitment process.