Alison Jones, soon to become president of The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders
Since being appointed as senior vice-president and country manager UK in March this year, Jones has been responsible for Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Fiat Professional, Abarth, Jeep and Alfa Romeo. The appointment to president follows a year-long tenure as vice-president at the SMMT, where Jones contributed to the organisation's direction and strategy.
Jones has worked across some of the UK's largest automotive brands; she was previously appointed group managing director of Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles in the UK and senior vice-president for Groupe PSA. Jones 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 role held since 2013.
Jones will perform the duties of president for the SMMT alongside her daily commitments to Stellantis UK.
Alison Jones has long supported the work of the SMMT and will be welcomed into the new role by existing president Dr George Gillespie OBE, executive chairman HORIBA MIRA, plus three new vice-presidents.
Alison Jones said: "I am proud to be appointed the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders' (SMMT) President in 2022. 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."
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: "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. 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. 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. 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."
Jones' will take up her new post on 1 January 2022.