Speth takes a seat at SMMT
Jaguar Land Rover's chief executive is to take a place on the board of manufacturing organisation SMMT as a vice president.
Ralf Speth has been appointed to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) alongside Tim Abbott, managing director of BMW UK and Robin Woolcock, managing director of Volkswagen Group (UK).
They join existing vice presidents John Neill, chief executive and deputy chairman of the Unipart Group and Bill Parfitt CBE chairman and managing director of GM UK.
SMMT president, Nigel Stein, chief executive of Redditch-based GKN Driveline, said: "This is an important time for the UK automotive sector as it continues to lead economic recovery, attract inward investment, develop new ultra-low carbon technology and manufacture products for global export.
"Automotive is a sector with incredible growth potential and I am delighted that our new vice presidents have committed to supporting SMMT in its efforts to maximise the opportunities for all its members."
Speth, chief executive of Warwickshire-based Jaguar Land Rover, added: "Automotive R&D and advanced manufacturing is one of the UK’s leading export industries making this an important and exciting period as our sector leads economic growth. I am delighted with this appointment and look forward to working with the SMMT to help shape the future of the UK motor industry."
