Mick Flanagan next SMMT President

At its 106th annual dinner, which took place in London on Tuesday, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) announced that Mick Flanagan would be the association’s next President. He will assume office as the SMMT’s 83rd President on 1 January 2024, succeeding Alison Jones, who steps down after completing her two-year tenure.

Mick Flanagan is Vice President for Volvo, JLR, Toyota, Nissan at automotive seating specialist Adient. Welcoming its new President, SMMT comments that Flanagan “draws experience from a long career in the automotive sector,” having worked in the industry for 37 years.

After graduating from University College Dublin with a degree in mechanical engineering, he started his career at Ford Motor Company, spending a decade there before moving to Visteon, where he worked in a variety of manufacturing and product development roles. He then joined Johnson Controls as a plant manager in 2000, progressing over the years to roles in general management. Following the spin-off of Johnson Controls’ seating division into global seating manufacturer Adient, Flanagan has spent the last seven years in senior management positions in the UK and Germany and is currently responsible for Adient business with JLR, Volvo, Toyota and Nissan, and in addition serves as a board member supporting various international legal entities of the company.

Strong trade body

“I am honoured to accept the appointment as President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT),” states Mick Flanagan. “As we drive forward, adapting our industry to deliver the exciting new realities of a zero emission vehicle world, and at the same time overcome macroeconomic headwinds, it is crucial that we have a strong trade body to represent, influence and lead all strands of UK Automotive. I look forward to supporting the SMMT team to do just that, and also want to congratulate Alison Jones on her successful tenure as President and thank her for her strong support.”

“We are delighted to welcome Mick Flanagan as the 83rd SMMT President,” adds Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive. “His wealth of industry experience with vehicle manufacturers and, in particular, global supply chain companies will be a huge asset as both undergo transformation on the road to net zero.

“I would also like to thank outgoing President Alison Jones for her tireless commitment and invaluable support to me and the SMMT over the past two years,” Hawes continues. “She has championed our industry at home and abroad, helping ensure the UK is a competitive destination for inward investment and leaves her SMMT role with a substantial and positive legacy.”