New leadership for UK Automotive Council

The UK’s Automotive Council has appointed Steve Marsh, Executive Director of Vehicle Programmes at JLR, as its new Industry Co-chair, marking a significant step as the nation’s automotive sector navigates an era of rapid technological transformation and global trade shifts. Marsh will join Ministerial Co-chair Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department for Business and Trade, in leading the Council.

The Automotive Council, a government-industry partnership established in 2009, plays a critical role in shaping the strategic direction of the UK’s automotive industry. As the sector undergoes a historic transition towards connected, automated, and electrified vehicles, the Council’s influence is more vital than ever.

Marsh brings more than 37 years of global automotive experience to the role, having joined JLR in 2022 and stepping into his current position in 2024.

His career, which began as an apprentice, includes senior leadership roles at Nissan, where he held titles such as Director of Manufacturing Operations and Vice President in the United States. A strong advocate for skills development, Marsh emphasizes the importance of professional growth in bridging industry talent gaps.

“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,” said Marsh. “I look forward to working alongside Sarah Jones 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.”

Minister Sarah Jones MP, who assumed her ministerial position in 2024, brings extensive oversight of green growth sectors, including advanced manufacturing and the energy supply chain.

Welcoming Marsh to the role, she stated: “With over 37 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.”

She also extended her thanks to Adrian Hallmark for his previous contributions as Industry Co-chair and to Arun Srinivasan for his interim leadership during the transition.

Together, Marsh and Jones will lead the Council’s collaborative efforts to secure the UK’s competitive edge in the global automotive landscape and stimulate investment, particularly in the domestic supply chain. Their leadership comes at a pivotal moment as the sector faces technological disruption and mounting pressure to decarbonise and digitise.