Oxford, UK - 16 August 2024 - Unipart has announced the appointment of Dr Bryan Jackson CBE as Non-Executive Chair, effective from 1 September 2024. This follows the recent announcement that Unipart's Founder and Executive Chairman, Dr John M. Neill CBE, will retire from his position on 31 August, though he will continue to offer support to the business until the end of November.
Dr Jackson brings a wealth of experience in the automotive and manufacturing sectors to his new role. His career began with the Ford Motor Company, where he spent 23 years before joining Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Limited in 1990. During this time, he held several senior positions and managed various plants across the UK and Europe, encompassing all aspects of vehicle manufacturing. He retired as Managing Director in 2004 and served as an advisor to Toyota in Europe until 2009.
Beyond his automotive experience, Dr Jackson possesses extensive board-level experience gained across a variety of industries. He has previously served as Chairman of Sharing in Growth UK Limited, Wesleyan Assurance Society, the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the East Midlands Development Agency, and the East Midlands Regional Council of the Confederation of British Industry. He is currently Non-Executive Chairman of John Smedley Limited.
Dr Jackson's contributions to industry have been recognised with an honorary doctorate in business administration from Nottingham Trent University and a Fellowship at the Manufacturing Technology Centre. He has also participated in executive development programmes at INSEAD Business School, Fontainebleau and Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania.
In 2000, he was awarded an OBE for services to the motor manufacturing industry, and in 2012, he received a CBE for services to economic development and manufacturing.
John Neill, Unipart Executive Chairman, commented: "Unipart is an iconic British company, and its next Chair required someone who understands the culture we've carefully built over the past 50 years. We needed someone whose personal values and integrity align with Unipart's ethos. I've had the privilege of knowing and working closely with Bryan for many decades, during which he has held various non-executive roles within Unipart and added immense value through his expertise and leadership. My priority was to ensure the Board approved a leader whom all our stakeholders can trust - someone who will always prioritise Unipart, its people, and its customers above any personal interests. I am confident that Bryan, who has exemplified this ethos in the past, will continue to do so in the future. I wish Bryan, the Board, and all our colleagues and leaders the very best for Unipart's continued success."
Dr Jackson, Senior Independent Non-Executive Director, said: "I am extremely proud to be appointed Chair of Unipart. Replacing an iconic leader like John, who created this unique, highly successful British company, is no easy feat. Thankfully, I've had the privilege of working with John over many years, and I am honoured to take on this role and the responsibility of ensuring that the culture he created continues. I also look forward to building on Unipart's success to date in the future. I believe Unipart has strong growth prospects thanks to the solid, diversified business we have, built over 50 years of tireless commitment and dedication. I am looking forward to working with our people, customers, shareholders, and stakeholders on our journey ahead. I would like to thank John again for everything he has done and wish him all the best for his future. While it will be incredibly difficult to follow in John's footsteps, I am fully committed to working with the Board, leadership team, and colleagues to drive Unipart forward through its next stage of growth and look forward to the many opportunities ahead."
To learn more about Dr Bryan Jackson, please visit his biography: [https://www.unipart.com/bryanjackson/](https://www.unipart.com/bryanjackson/)
For media enquiries or further information, please contact:
Alistair Drummond, Head of External Communications
T: +44(0)7771 798835
E: alistair.drummond@unipart.com
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