New boss for manufacturing’s skills council

Formerly chief exec of the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) and current executive chair, Sillars (pictured) will initially lead Semta in a part-time capacity as she will remain part-time executive chair of IMI until the end of this year. Semta chairman Allan Cook – also chairman of WS Atkins, chairman of Selex Galileo and deputy chairman of Marshalls Group – said: "We are delighted that Sarah has agreed to lead Semta, bringing with her such extensive experience and success within the skills arena." Sillars said: "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, with strong employer backing, to make a real difference to the sector's productivity and competitiveness." She replaces Philip Whiteman who retired at the end of May.