PSA Group UK MD Alison Jones appointed as SMMT vice-president

30/11/2020

Alison Jones, Stellantis Country Manager UK

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has appointed PSA Group UK’s managing director, Alison Jones, as its new vice-president.

The boss of the French carmakers Citroen, DS Automobiles and Peugeot brands, and the current holder of Cox Automotive’s Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award, will take up her new post on December 1.

The 81st president of the SMMT, Dr George Gillespie OBE, executive chairman at HORIBA MIRA, will serve a third term in 2021, meanwhile.

A statement issued by the SMMT said that Jones will be welcomed into the role by existing member Robin Shaw, executive advisor at wejo, plus two other new vice presidents, Glenn Saint, the chief executive of commercial vehicles at Arrival and Michael Flanagan, the vice-president at Adient.

The SMMT said that it was keen to welcome Jones’ input “into the organisation’s direction and strategic decisions”.

Jones, who accepted PSA Group’s Manufacturer of the Year Award at the AM Awards 2020 earlier this year, said: “I am pleased to accept the appointment as Vice President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

“It is a pivotal time in our industry to be taking on this role – not only is the global automotive industry undergoing huge amounts of technological advancements, changing customer expectations and regulatory change, but we also have the unique challenges of the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit happening at same time.

“The SMMT is our industry voice with governments and members, with a critical role to play to represent and drive our industry interests for the benefit of our members, industry and country economy.”

SMMT chief executive, Mike Hawes, said: “I am delighted that Alison has joined our team of vice presidents for 2021 as her wide-ranging industry experience will be invaluable.

“With the sector looking to recover from the damage caused by coronavirus while dealing with the shift to electrification and a fundamental change in overseas trading relationships, Alison will help provide strategic direction and business acumen at what is a critical time for the UK’s automotive sector.”

Dr George Gillespie’s current term as president has been extended to provide “continuity and leadership at a time of tremendous challenge for the automotive sector”, according to the SMMT.

His reappointment was announced at SMMT 2020 Update Live, an online event held on what would have been the day the 104th SMMT Annual Dinner in central London.

Dr Gillespie first took office on January 1 last year, replacing Tony Walker CBE DL, the former managing director of Toyota Motor Europe – London Office – who will remain in post for a third year as deputy president, with his term running until the end of next year.

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