Governance

Our Governance Structure

The IMI's mission is "To improve progressively the professional standards of all individuals working in the retail motor industry and allied sectors".
 
The IMI's governance model consists of a Representative Member Assembly (RMA) with a smaller Executive Board (see below) to act as trustees. It is proposed to create two other types of assembly: an Employer Assembly, which will provide understanding of the needs of the employers in the industry; and a Stakeholder Assembly, which will allow the IMI to influence Government and other agencies.

Supporting the new Executive Board are the Standards Research and Development Committee (Chair, Sue Brownson), the Professional Standards and Grading Committee (Chair, Gerry Braddock), and the Marketing and Communications Committee (Chair, Chris Jeffries).

Day to day management of the IMI is the responsibility of the Chief Executive, Sarah Sillars, together with the Company Secretary/Financial Director Allan Tyrer. Sarah and Allan are also on the Executive Board.
 
The IMI's President, since 2004, is Professor Garel Rhys CBE

The IMI's Patron is HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, previously Prince Michael was the IMI's President from 1978 to 1998.

Executive Board

Martin Austin FIMI
Managing Director, Corby Motor Group

Martin joined British Leyland (Rover) in 1963 where he remained for 15 years, working up from Apprentice, to Sales Manager-Leyland Australia and then Regional Director-London Region. 

From there Martin became General Manager of Toyota Distributors for NSW Australia for four years before becoming a consultant to the motor industry in Australia, and a part-time property developer.

Martin then became Managing Director of UK Lada Cars Importer, and was responsible for J/V for import of Proton Cars. Martin is now Managing Director of Corby Motor Group, Northamptonshire and has been a member of the SMMT Car Council (1986-1988), Director and Vice-President RMIF (1998-2002) and previous Chairman of Council, and current Treasurer of the IMI. Martin has been a member of the IMI since 1967.

 Martin Betts FIMI
Company Chairman

Martin has worked in the motor industry for nearly 30 years, 15 years as the managing director of a contract hire and leasing company and 5 years as Co-Chairman of the UK’s exclusive trade only auction and remarketing company, both positions still current. Martin is passionate about raising standards and the general perception of the motor industry.

Gerry Braddock IEng AAE FIMI MIRTE MSOE
Field Executive, VBRA

Gerry is the Chairman of the Membership Standards and Grading Committee, has been an IMI Councillor since 1984, and has served on every IMI Committee, dealing with membership matters. Gerry recently lead the review of membership standards and code of practice.

With over 40 years in the motor industry, from Apprentice to Service & Bodyshop manager, through to Group Bodyshop management. Gerry has served as a Project Manager with the Vehicle Builders & Repairers Association, which represents the Body repair Industry.

Sue Brownson OBE FIMI
Managing Director, Bluebell BMW

Sue is Managing Director of Bluebell, which comprises seven BMW outlets with a turnover of £97m and annual car sales of 3,700. Sue is also director of Cheshire based Total People Training, a trustee and former president of motor industry charity BEN, a past president of the RMI and former chair of the BMW dealer council.

Garry Brumfitt FIMI
Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs

Garry started his career in the motor industry back in 1976 enjoying several different roles within the retail industry. Garry has held senior management roles with Kawasaki, Toyota, Alfa Romeo and Suzuki. For the last eight years he has been with Harley-Davidson - firstly as MD of Harley-Davidson UK and then in his current role of Director of Government & Regulatory Affairs for Harley-Davidson Europe

Edward Clark FIMI
Former Director North Humbersides Motor Trades GTA

Edward has spent a lifetime in the industry since leaving school, commencing with 27 years with the family owned dealership until its sale, then 20 years running the local Group Training Association.
Edward’s interest in training led to his election to the IMI Council at the time of Awarding Body status being attained by the IMI in 1992 and was Honorary Treasurer.

Chris Jeffries FIMI
Chairman, Automotive Distributors Ltd

Chris started in the motor industry with a five year Apprenticeship with Ford and qualified for AMIMI in 1969. He spent 7 years with VW (GB) Ltd, 3 years with VW Dealer, 3 years with BMW (GB) Ltd, 5 years with MCL Group Ltd and has worked extensively in Germany, Poland and Japan.

Chris was a ADF Leader of Council and and has been Chairman of the Automotive Distributors Ltd from 1988 to present.

Chris still has his original tool box which he uses to look after two 485 horse power Detroit marine diesels. Chris says he never dreamed that the Motor Industry would have give him so much, his involvement with the IMI enables him to give a little back.

Marc Matthew FIMI
Chairman, Lifestyle Europe Ltd

Marc is the Chairman and owner of Lifestyle Europe Limited which was formed in May 2001 through a management buy out (MBO). Marc's £80 million turnover multi-franchise Group operates eight dealerships throughout Southern England. Marc has recently been appointed as the new chairman of the Retail Automotive Alliance.

Marc is an established and respected industry owner-driver and prior to this MBO successfully ran the Ford Division of a large dealer group. Marc has 24 years experience within the industry which has given him an insight into all areas of the retail motor business.

Steve Nash BA(Hons) FIMI
Chairman of Council, Aftersales Director BMW (UK)
 
Steve has worked in the Motor Industry, on both the retail and manufacturer sides, since graduating in 1977. Steve joined BMW in 1986 and has been a Director of the company since 1997, including a period as Group Aftersales Director, looking after the Rover and Land Rover brands as well.

Steve was Chairman of Council for three years, having accepted an extended term to see through changes to the IMI's governance structure.

John Rowse
National Officer, TGWU

John was senior officer in the Electrical and Plumbing Industries Union until a merger with the TGWU in 1995. Since then, he's been National Officer of the power and engineering and vehicle building and automotive trade groups.

Sarah Sillars FIMI, Chief Executive, IMI Group

Chief Executive since 2002, Sarah is also Chair of the DTI's 'Skills Sherpa' unit of the retail motor strategy group, on the steering committee for the Sector Skills Agreement and a member of the Skills Accreditation Task Force for the retail motor sector.

Allan Tyrer FIMI, Company Secretary and Finance Director, IMI Group

Allan, an accountant, has been with the IMI for 10 years. He previously worked in public practice for a firm providing accountancy, audit, insolvency services and financial advice.