IMI announces new executive team as chief Steve Nash prepares to step down

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has unveiled a newly restructured executive team in a bid to meet the future challenges and opportunities within the sector.

Steve Nash, who has been with the IMI for over 22 years and served as CEO since 2013, will remain in his position temporarily, charged with focussing solely on maintaining the IMI's external influence until a successor is found.

The new team will lead the organisation's 118 employees and serve its over 110,000 members, while its board initiates the search for a permanent leadership team over the next year.

Kevin Finn, who has served as chair of the IMI since 2020, has been appointed to the newly established role of executive chair to oversee the IMI's strategic direction.

Azlina Bulmer has been promoted to managing director, where she will handle the organisation's overall management and staffing. Meanwhile, Simon Barrell has taken on the role of chief financial officer.

Commenting on the transition, Kevin Finn said: "This new leadership structure, which blends external expertise with our deep industry experience, ensures we are well-prepared to guide our members through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead."

He also extended his gratitude to Steve Nash for his long-standing dedication to the IMI, highlighting his contributions over more than two decades as chairman, president, and CEO.

Azlina Bulmer, who joined the IMI earlier this year as interim chief operating officer, brings extensive strategic and operational experience from her previous roles, including positions at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). She also serves as an associate non-executive director at the Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust.

Simon Barrell, a qualified chartered accountant and Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, has experience across various industries in both the public and private sectors.