Nick Connor named new IMI CEO to lead industry through rapid change
The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has appointed Nick Connor as its new Chief Executive Officer, with his tenure beginning on 18 August. Connor, a qualified lawyer, arrives at the IMI with over three decades of distinguished experience in the automotive sector. His previous appointments include serving as the Global CEO of Polestar, Head of the Asia-Pacific (APEC) region for Volvo Cars, and Managing Director roles at Volvo Cars in both Australia and the UK.
Connor expressed enthusiasm about joining the IMI at what he describes as a pivotal moment for the automotive industry and its professionals. He emphasised his commitment to representing the interests of IMI members robustly while expanding the organisation’s influence and service offerings to keep pace with the rapidly evolving automotive landscape. This comes at a time when the sector is navigating significant changes, including advances in electric vehicles, digitalisation, and new regulatory environments.
The IMI's Chair, Graeme Potts, welcomed Connor’s appointment with optimism, highlighting the CEO’s energy, experience, and forward-looking vision as critical assets for the organisation’s future. Potts remarked that Connor’s leadership would be instrumental as the IMI continues its mission to champion the workforce that sustains the automotive industry. Daksh Gupta, Chair of the IMI’s Nomination Committee, also underscored the rigorous recruitment process behind Connor’s selection, expressing confidence that his ambition and insight will help drive the organisation’s growth and impact.
Connor’s appointment follows the interim leadership of Sarah Sillars, who took over as IMI CEO in April 2025 after Kevin Finn stepped down. Sillars, who had previously led the IMI between 2002 and 2009, guided the organisation during this transitional period, positioning it well for Connor’s arrival.
Before stepping into his new role at IMI, Connor served as Global CEO of Polestar, Volvo Cars’ high-performance electric vehicle brand, a position he took up in July 2025. His tenure there followed a successful four-year spell as Managing Director of Volvo Cars UK, during which the company notably increased its sales volumes by an impressive 60%. This track record of commercial success and leadership in the automotive sector is expected to serve the IMI well as it navigates a changing industry environment.
Connor’s extensive background across different continents and automotive sectors gives him a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the motor industry today. His combined legal expertise and executive experience place him in a strong position to advocate for the professional development and interests of IMI members, who represent a vital part of the UK’s automotive ecosystem.
The appointment reflects the IMI’s continued commitment to adapting and growing in response to an industry in transition. As electric and autonomous vehicle technologies advance alongside new skills demands, organisations like the IMI play a crucial role in supporting the sector’s workforce to stay ahead of change through training, certification, and advocacy.