Four senior UK automotive executives have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for services to the industry. News of the awards follows a series of positive industry announcements, with vehicle manufacturers targeting all-time production records following major global manufacturers committing billions of pounds to UK automotive.
Dr Ian Robertson (HonDSc), Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing BMW, becomes a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).
Dr Robertson’s career in the motor industry spans more than 30 years. He began his career as an engineering graduate trainee within the UK automotive industry in 1979 and has held a variety of senior roles, leading the successful global revival of brands MINI and Rolls-Royce before taking his current position on the BMW Board of Management.
Lewis Booth, Formerly Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Ford Motor Company, becomes a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE).
Mr Booth began his career with Ford in 1978 and rose through the ranks fulfilling a range of financial and operational roles and is also well-known throughout Ford’s higher echelons for his passion of both people and products.
Jerry Hardcastle, Vice President Vehicle Development and Design, Nissan Technical Centre Europe, becomes an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Mr Hardcastle played a key role in securing production of the Nissan LEAF in the UK from 2013, which will boost jobs, skills and R&D investment in the Sunderland area. He also Chairs the Automotive Council’s Technology Group sub-committee, a body which enables close collaboration between industry and government on a range of technology priorities.
Neil Samuels, Facilities Manager, Member of the Manufacturing Diversity Council, Ford Motor Company, becomes a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
Mr Samuels began his career as a technician apprentice with Ford over 29 years ago and rose through the ranks to become a senior manager of Ford sites across Europe. In his position, and as someone of Afro-Caribbean heritage, he has been recognised for his extensive work both locally and nationally for shining a positive light on diversity.
