Finn named executive chair of IMI in ‘transition’ planning

30 August 2024  

Kevin Finn has been appointed to the newly-created post of executive chair of the The Institute of the Motor Industry, as the organisation looks to start recruiting a permanent executive team.

Steve Nash remains in post as CEO, during what the IMI said is a “transition period”.

Nash, who has been with the IMI for more than 22 years serving as chairman, president and, since January 2013, CEO, has a “revised remit to solely focus on supporting and maintaining IMI’s external influence”, before stepping down once a suitable replacement has been recruited.

Finn (pictured, above left) has been chair of the IMI since 2020. Other transition appointments include interim COO Azlina Bulmer (centre), who has been appointed MD with responsibility for the overall management, organisation and staffing of the IMI.

Simon Barrell (right), a former finance director with experience in the public and private sectors, has been appointed CFO.

The IMI said its new executive team will provide strategic and day-to-day direction for the organisation’s 118 employees and more than 110,000 members, enabling the board to start recruiting a permanent executive team within the next 12 months.

Finn said: “We would like to thank Steve Nash for his long-standing commitment.

“The combination of insight and expertise from outside the industry, alongside the wealth of automotive and skills experience already on our board, puts the IMI in the strongest position to help our members and the wider automotive community prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead.”