Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), has been honoured with an OBE for his significant contributions to the UK automotive sector.
- Hawes has been at the helm of SMMT since 2013, steering the industry through a decade of substantial change.
- Under Hawes’ leadership, the industry navigated Brexit negotiations, the Covid pandemic, and technological shifts towards net zero.
- He played a crucial role in establishing Mission Automotive, aiding ex-service personnel to find employment within the automotive field.
- Hawes’ commitment to the sector is further demonstrated by his involvement with the Automotive Council and the creation of the UK’s Automotive Diversity Charter.
Mike Hawes, the Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), was awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his services to the automotive industry. Since joining SMMT in 2013, Hawes has leveraged his extensive experience from previous roles at Bentley Motors and Toyota to enhance the sector’s global standing.
Under his guidance, the industry confronted numerous challenges, including Brexit negotiations, where he consistently advocated for beneficial trade deals. The subsequent Covid-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions further demonstrated his adeptness at steering the sector through turbulent times, safeguarding jobs and businesses in the process.
Hawes was instrumental in launching Mission Automotive, a programme that successfully integrates ex-service personnel into the automotive workforce. His dedication to social responsibility is also evident through SMMT’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, earning a Gold Award under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
His contributions extend to the Automotive Council, where he is pivotal as a main board member and chair of the UK competitiveness and business environment working group. A notable achievement here was the introduction of the UK’s Automotive Diversity Charter, which was endorsed by all major UK automotive manufacturers.
Hawes expressed his gratitude, acknowledging the combined efforts of the talented team at SMMT and the resilient UK industry. His recognition is shared by many, including Mick Flanagan, SMMT president, who praised Hawes’ calm and diplomatic leadership through significant political, economic, and technological changes.
Mike Hawes’ OBE is a testament to his unwavering dedication and profound impact on the UK’s automotive industry.
