Berkshire-based Xtrac (www.xtrac.com), a world leader in high-performance transmissions for the motor-sport and automotive industries, has announced that Joe Greenwell (pictured) is to be appointed non-executive chairman with effect from July.

Having recently joined the main board as one of three new non-executive directors, Mr Greenwell will take over the role from Peter Digby, who is to become company president.

Chief executive Adrian Moore will continue to lead the team responsible for day-to-day operations.

Mr Greenwell most recently served as chief executive of the Government’s Automotive Investment Organisation, which was established in 2013 and is now part of the Department for International Trade.

He is also chair of the RAC Foundation and has served as a board member of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult since 2012.

His 45-year career in the motor industry has included many senior roles, including chairman and CEO of Jaguar Cars and chairman of Ford of Britain.

In recognition of his services to the automotive industry, he was awarded a CBE in 2011.

Mr Greenwell said: “I’ve followed Xtrac with interest from its first-ever participation in the UK Manufacturer of the Year Awards in 1910, when I was on the judging panel.

“Despite being a new entrant, Xtrac took top honours in the Advanced Manufacturing category, and I was not surprised to see it crowned the overall winner in 2014; it’s an archetypal up-to-the-minute manufacturing company that sets a benchmark for other SMEs to follow — operating in a sector that forms a key part of the Government’s industrial strategy.”