IMI names Sally-Anne Hodder as new EDI lead

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) has appointed Sally-Anne Hodder as head of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging.

She steps up from her role as head of HR & Business Support, and has also been integral in the implementation, launch and ongoing development of the IMI’s Diversity Task Force.

Hodder said: “In my role leading the HR team, I gained a real insight into how important it is to have a diverse workforce. My work with the Task Force has reinforced this, but also highlighted that it is equally important to understand the changes we need to make to be more equitable and inclusive in the workplace to welcome and retain that more diverse workforce. This is important for us as an organisation as well as for the wider automotive sector.

“It is an honour to take on this new role. I am passionately committed to ensuring constant learning in all areas of EDI. There is so much to learn and the need for up-to date knowledge never stops. It’s vital that we ensure our own internal work for IMI colleagues is guided by the insights we have collectively gained. We also need to bring these insights to benefit the wider automotive sector. As such, we’ll be offering continual training and development opportunities for our own employees, our members, industry employers and stakeholders.”

Lesley Woolley, chief operating officer at the IMI, said: “Sally has shown the utmost commitment to changing cultures and improving diversity and inclusive opportunities within the IMI and the wider automotive industry. Her drive is inspirational and we are excited to see what she does next.

“Automotive employers are keen to make changes to become more inclusive, but many do not know how or where to start. Sally is already helping these businesses learn from each other’s experiences, challenges and successes. Her new role encompasses both internal and external audiences, nurturing strong links between what we are learning and implementing with the sector through the Diversity Task Force to influence positive change, as well as what we do for our own colleagues.”