New chief executive for Semta

Sillars is the current executive chair of The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), the Sector Skills Council and professional association for the retail motor industry. She will take up the new role from 10th October 2012. "We are delighted that Sarah has agreed to lead Semta," commented Semta chairman Allan Cook CBE. "This is a critical time for the advanced manufacturing and engineering sector. Our industry is facing challenging times in domestic and international markets and the opportunities for growth are highly dependent on the development of the necessary skills in our businesses." Sillars added: "I am delighted to join Semta at such an important time for the organisation. We are in a changing skills landscape where employers have the opportunity to shape provision and co-invest in the design and delivery of vocational training. Semta is well-positioned to make a real difference to the sector's productivity and competitiveness with a range of targeted services and programmes." Sillars replaces Philip Whiteman who retired at the end of May.