The Automotive Council has today announced the appointment of a
new industry leader to drive the future success of the UK's
world-famous automotive sector. Steve Marsh, Executive Director
of Vehicle Programmes at JLR, becomes Industry Co-chair,
accompanying Ministerial Co-chair MP, Minister of State at the
Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department
for Business and Trade.
With the industry facing a once in a generation technology shift,
as vehicles move to increasingly connected, automated and
electrified systems, combined with changes in global trade
conditions the work of the industry-government Council has seldom
been so important. The new Chairs will work closely together,
alongside other senior figures from across the sector who make up
the Council, to ensure the UK automotive industry is globally
competitive and is best placed to attract new investment,
especially into its supply chain.
Steve Marsh was appointed Executive Director of Vehicle
Programmes at JLR in 2024, having joined the company in 2022.
With more than 37 years of international automotive sector
experience, previously working at Nissan, Steve has had various
job titles including Director of Manufacturing Operations and
Vice President roles in the US. Steve began his career as an
apprentice and strongly believes in bridging skill gaps through
professional development initiatives.
MP was appointed Minister of
State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ)
and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in 2024. She was
elected as MP for Croydon West in 2017. Her responsibilities as
Minister of State at DESNZ consist of green jobs and skills,
energy sector supply chains and green growth sectors and at DBT
include advanced manufacturing, automotive and materials and
critical minerals.
Steve Marsh, Executive Director of Vehicle Programmes at
JLR, said, ‘'I am honoured to take on the role of
Industry Co-chair of the Automotive Council UK as our sector
navigates an evolving global trade environment and the
transformative shift towards connected, automated, and
electrified vehicles. I am passionate about advancing the
automotive industry and look forward to working alongside MP and the Council to
help support the UK automotive industry to compete on the
global stage, attract investment and foster the skills needed for
our industry's success.”
Industry Minister , said, “With over 36
years of experience in the automotive sector, Steve's leadership
as the new Industry Co-chair of the Automotive Council will be
instrumental in driving forward the work of the Council and
ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of automotive
innovation. Thanks to Adrian Hallmark for his work as Industry
Co-chair and to Arun Srinivasan for his stewardship of the Auto
Council while the process for appointing a new Industry Co-chair
was underway."
The Automotive Council was established in 2009 to enhance
dialogue and strengthen co-operation between UK government and
the automotive sector. Activity is channelled through mission and
enabling groups, supported by many working groups, and covers
skills, competitiveness, digitalisation, supply chain and the
transition to connected, automated and zero emission transport.
