The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has appointed a new chief executive following the departure of former boss Paul Everitt. Michael Hawes will take up the role in autumn and joins from luxury carmaker Bentley.
Hawes has previously held a variety of roles in policy and public affairs within the Volkswagen Group and Toyota in addition to Bentley.
He will replace Mike Baunton, who has held the role of interim chief executive in Everitt’s absence.
SMMT president and managing director of BMW UK, Tim Abbott, said: “I couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Mike Hawes as SMMT’s new chief executive. Mike brings a tremendous amount of expertise, both in terms of automotive industry experience and the skills necessary for the job.
“He has built a strong personal reputation and is credited with establishing a number of strategic relationships which have benefited the automotive companies for which he has worked. He is also very familiar with SMMT and will maintain the momentum that has been established.”
