Stellantis’ Alison Jones named SMMT president

The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) has appointed Alison Jones, Stellantis senior vice-president and country manager UK, as its new president. Jones’ appointment to the role of president, which takes effect 1 January 2022, follows a year-long tenure as vice-president at the SMMT, where she contributed to the organisation’s direction and strategy.

Since becoming Stellantis’ senior vice-president and country manager UK in March this year, Alison Jones has been responsible for Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth, Jeep and Alfa Romeo. Earlier remits include working across some of the UK’s largest automotive brands; Jones was previously group managing director of Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles in the UK, and senior vice-president for Groupe PSA. She also held senior roles in the VW Group, including managing director for Volkswagen, and is a vice-president for the Institute of Customer Service, a position held since 2013.

Jones will perform the duties of president for the SMMT alongside her daily commitments to Stellantis UK. She has long supported the SMMT’s work and will be welcomed into the new role by existing president, Dr George Gillespie OBE, executive chairman of Horiba Mira, as well as by three new vice-presidents.

Pivotal & exciting times for industry

“I am proud to be appointed the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ president in 2022,” states Jones. “It continues to be pivotal and exciting times for our industry as we drive technological developments and customer experiences, respond to regulatory changes, and adapt to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and post-Brexit world. 2021 has continued to be challenging and demonstrates why it is key we have a strong trade body such as SMMT to represent and drive progress for us all, advancing our interests with governments and organisations, and to ensure we have a positive impact for our members, industry, country economy and people in our communities.”

“The role of SMMT president is one the industry views with tremendous respect and we are delighted to welcome Alison to the role from 2022,” adds Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “Alison’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the industry, with the sector trying to recover from the long-term effects of the pandemic, fundamental changes in the way society considers mobility and, most significantly, a global challenge to decarbonise road transport and quickly.

Jones’ appointment was announced at the SMMT’s 104th Annual Dinner, which took place in London on Tuesday. She will become the 82nd president in the organisation’s 120-year history, and its first female president.

“Her vast experience within the industry will be invaluable in the development of SMMT’s corporate strategies and, given the operational role she retains at Stellantis, the insight she will bring will help us refine our activities to meet the market challenges,” Hawes continues. “As the first female president, this is a long overdue appointment but one which serves to underscore the work our industry must do to improve its diversity. The entire SMMT team and I look forward to working with Alison as we continue to champion the UK’s automotive industry at home and abroad.”

Continuity in unprecedented times

Dr Gillespie steps down at the end of 2021 after completing his extraordinary three-year tenure, the normal two-year term having been extended amid the coronavirus pandemic to enable him to provide continuity and guidance at a time of unprecedented challenge and change for the automotive industry.

“It has been a real honour to serve as president of SMMT and I’d like to thank Mike and the team for their fantastic support over the past three years,” shares Gillespie. “I’d like to welcome Alison as new SMMT president, I know she will do a fantastic job and her expertise and guidance will prove invaluable as we look to address our challenges.”

Thanking Dr Gillespie for his extended tenure during the pandemic, Mike Hawes reflected: “Seldom has there been such a difficult time to be SMMT president, and his expertise and support have been invaluable both to me and the entire SMMT team.”