SMMT’s new president is Adient’s Mick Flanagan

The 83rd president of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) will be Mick Flanagan, vice-president for Volvo, JLR, Toyota, Nissan at Adient. Announced last night at SMMT’s 106th Annual Dinner, he will assume office from January 1, 2024, replacing Alison Jones, senior vice-president (Global Circular Economy) at Stellantis, who steps down after completing her two-year tenure.

Mick 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. 

Mick Flanagan, vice-president for JLR, Volvo, Toyota and Nissan at Adient, said, “I am honoured to accept the appointment as President of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ (SMMT). 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.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to welcome Mick Flanagan as the 83rd SMMT president. 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. 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.”

SMMT is one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the UK. It supports the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad. The automotive industry is a vital part of the UK economy and integral to supporting the delivery of the agendas for levelling up, net zero, advancing global Britain, and the plan for growth. Automotive-related manufacturing contributes £78 billion turnover and £16 billion value added to the UK economy, and typically invests around £3 billion each year in R&D. With more than 208,000 people employed in automotive manufacturing, and some 800,000 in total across the wider sector, the industry trades globally, with exports worth £94 billion accounting for 10% of all UK goods exports.

More than 25 manufacturing brands build more than 70 models of vehicles in the UK, plus an array of specialist small volume manufacturers, supported by some 2,500 supply chain businesses and some of the world's most skilled engineers.

Images: SMMT