The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has confirmed that Kevin Finn, interim executive chair of the board, will step down from his role on 31st March 2025. The IMI board has appointed Sarah Sillars OBE, Hon FIMI as interim chief executive officer, ensuring continuity while the organisation continues its search for a permanent CEO.
Finn has served on the IMI board for more than five years, acting as chair from January 2020 to July 2024 and as interim executive chair since August 2024. During his tenure, he helped guide the IMI through a period of major growth, overseeing the expansion of international operations, the growth of its member base to over 110,000, and the launch of the ‘There’s More To Motor’ campaign to address ongoing skills shortages in the sector.
“It has been an honour to serve as chair and more recently interim executive chair of the IMI, and I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together,” said Kevin Finn. “I am confident that Sarah Sillars and the entire leadership team will continue to drive the organisation forward and uphold our commitment to excellence.”
Sillars, who previously served as CEO of the IMI between 2002 and 2009 and later as executive chair, returns to lead the organisation in the interim from 1st April. Currently a vice president of the IMI, she also holds non-executive roles with Remit Training and Citygate Automotive, and is widely recognised as a skills champion and ambassador for the automotive sector.
“We are grateful for Kevin’s contribution to the IMI,” said IMI president Jim Saker. “As we move forward, we are confident in Sarah’s ability to guide the organisation and maintain our focus on delivering value to our members, centres and the wider automotive sector.”
The board will continue its search for a permanent CEO and executive team, as well as recruiting several non-executive directors. In the meantime, Sillars will work closely with the IMI’s internal team to maintain operational continuity and deliver on the organisation’s strategic objectives.
