Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK, has been announced as the 84th President of the
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The appointment was confirmed at SMMT’s 108th Annual Dinner, and he will assume office on 1 January 2026, succeeding Mick Flanagan, vice president for
Adient, who steps down after completing his two-year term.
Mr Philpott’s automotive career spans 37 years, beginning after he graduated in banking and finance from Loughborough University and joined Ford of Britain. He rose through the ranks before moving to
Toyota GB, where he became a director at just 34. In 2007, he joined
Kia UK as managing director, steering the brand toward rapid and sustainable growth. Later, he moved to Kia Europe in Frankfurt as chief operating officer, before returning to the UK in 2021 as the first non-Korean president and chief executive of an international Kia subsidiary. Since then, he has overseen Kia’s transition to zero-emission motoring and its expansion into commercial vehicles.
Mr Philpott said “It is with great honour and privilege that I accept this appointment, and I would like to thank and congratulate Mick Flanagan for his outstanding support and leadership over the past two years. Our industry is one we are all proud to serve, and I believe our greatest strength lies not only in our ambition, but in our ability to adapt and change: we are transitioning toward zero-emission goals, navigating complex legislative measures and welcoming new brands into the UK market. There has never been a more important time to stand together, and I look forward to supporting this with SMMT. I am proud to take on this responsibility at such a defining moment for our industry, and I am committed to working with all stakeholders to secure a sustainable and successful future for UK Automotive.”
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, added: “We are delighted to welcome Paul Philpott as SMMT’s 84th President. Paul brings vast experience and a deep understanding of the sector that will be invaluable during a period of significant transformation and uncertainty. I would also like to express our gratitude to outgoing president Mick Flanagan for his exceptional service. Mick has been a steadfast advocate for the UK automotive industry and SMMT, and his contribution has strengthened our sector and set a strong foundation for the future.”