Gillian Fanning, Marketing Director of automotive distributor Serfac Limited has been elected President of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) at the organisation’s virtually held AGM. She is the first female President of SIMI in the Society’s 98 year history.

Speaking at the virtual event, Gillian commented that she was, “Looking forward to her term as president, despite the significant challenges currently facing the Industry.” She added, “The past decade has been difficult for the Irish Motor Industry. Recovery from the 2008 financial crisis has not been in line with economic outlooks and while we had reason to be optimistic at the start of 2020, COVID-19 has since had a devastating impact. Although thankfully some of us are back at work since 18th May, with those members ensuring that they meet COVID-19 protocol guidelines for the protection of employees and customers, we need all elements of the industry operational again, particularly NCT testing. To this end, SIMI is pressing for the early re-opening of NCT Centres even at a reduced capacity to allow for health and safety protocol and is also making the case for the CVRT system to be fully operational as soon as possible. These are not just business issues but also have important road safety implications.”

Gillian also said, “The fact that servicing and particularly sales have been allowed to reopen with the critical July registration period approaching is welcomed and will help to generate revenue that will contribute to protecting the 45,000 employed throughout the country. However, the continuation of Government supports is vital for business and the industry will need additional measures going forward, including the extension of the temporary COVID-19 Wage Subsidy Scheme and the cancellation of commercial business rates until such a time as business activity returns to sufficient levels.”  

Gillian has extensive motor industry experience, serving as Marketing Director of national wholesale automotive distributor Serfac Limited, Chairperson of the SIMI Wholesalers’ Committee and as a member of the Society’s Management Board. Her career to-date has also included communications, marketing and change management roles in consultancy and with Guinness, Diageo and Bank of Ireland.

Gillian thanked the members of the Society for allowing her the honour of being President and reminded members of the resilience of their Industry which she looks forward to serving in the coming year.