The 84th President of the Society of Motor
Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) will be Paul Philpott, President
and CEO, Kia UK. Announced at SMMT's 108th Annual
Dinner, he will assume office from 1 January 2026, replacing Mick
Flanagan, Vice President for Adient, who steps down after
completing his two-year tenure.
Paul's career in the automotive sector stretches back 37 years
when, after graduating with a degree in Banking and Finance from
Loughborough University, he joined Ford of Britain, rising
through the ranks before joining Toyota GB, and becoming a
director at the age of 34.
In 2007, he then joined Kia UK as Managing Director, putting the
brand on a path of rapid, sustainable growth, before moving to
Kia Europe in Frankfurt to lead the company at the European level
as Chief Operating Officer. In 2021, he returned to the UK, to
become the first non-Korean president and chief executive of an
international Kia subsidiary, where he has overseen the brand's
transition to zero emission motoring and expansion into
commercial vehicles.
Paul Philpott, President and CEO, Kia
UK, said, “It is with great honour and privilege
that I accept this appointment, and I would like to thank and
congratulate Mick Flanagan for his outstanding support and
leadership over the past two years. Our industry is one we are
all proud to serve, and I believe our greatest strength lies not
only in our ambition, but in our ability to adapt and change: we
are transitioning toward zero-emission goals, navigating complex
legislative measures and welcoming new brands into the UK market.
There has never been a more important time to stand together, and
I look forward to supporting this with SMMT. I am proud to take
on this responsibility at such a defining moment for our
industry, and I am committed to working with all stakeholders to
secure a sustainable and successful future for UK Automotive.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “We
are delighted to welcome Paul Philpott as SMMT's
84th President. Paul brings vast experience and a
deep understanding of the sector that will be invaluable during a
period of significant transformation and uncertainty. I would
also like to express our gratitude to outgoing president Mick
Flanagan for his exceptional service. Mick has been a steadfast
advocate for the UK automotive industry and SMMT, and his
contribution has strengthened our sector and set a strong
foundation for the future.”
