91³ÉÈË

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Paul Philpott

91³ÉÈË President and CEO, Kia UK

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.

Past Presidents

Find out who has held the role of 91³ÉÈË President since 1902

SMMT Presidents

Mick Flanagan

91³ÉÈË President; Vice President, Adient

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.

Mick 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, Mick 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, in addition serving as a board member supporting various international legal entities of the company.

Mike Hawes OBE

Chief Executive

Mike Hawes has been 91³ÉÈË Chief Executive since 2013, helping promote the industry at home and abroad and representing the trade association’s diverse membership in discussions between the industry, government, stakeholders and media.

Since starting his career in the road transport research sector in 1990, Mike has amassed more than three decades of experience in communications, corporate and public affairs, the majority of which has been in the motor industry.

Mike joined 91³ÉÈË from Bentley Motors, where he held Director positions with responsibility for Global Communications, Government Affairs and CSR.

Prior to that, he held senior government and corporate affairs positions at Toyota both in the UK and Europe, where he developed the experience and knowledge needed to promote the interests of the UK’s world-renowned automotive industry.

In 2024 Mike was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the UK automotive industry in the King’s Birthday Honours List.

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Comms team

91³ÉÈË’s Communications team handles enquiries from UK and international media. Please contact us for industry comment, interview requests or advice. We also provide up to date information and data on the UK automotive industry.

Can’t find what you are looking for? Please e-mail the  91³ÉÈË Press Office  or get in touch with a member of the team below.

Communications
Emma Butcher

Director of Communications

[email protected]
James Boley

Head of PR

[email protected]
Paul Large

Head of Digital and Brand

[email protected]
Paul Mauerhoff

Senior Media Manager

[email protected]
Rebecca Gibbs

Senior Press Officer

[email protected]
Scott Clarke

Senior Press Officer

[email protected]
Abi Smythe

Public Relations and Communications Assistant

[email protected]

Get in touch

91³ÉÈË is the voice of the UK motor industry, supporting and promoting its members’ interests, at home and abroad, to government, stakeholders and the media.

The Society of Motor
Manufacturers & Traders,
71 Great Peter Street,
London, SW1P 2BN

+44 (0)20 7235 7000

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