Sadler takes over from Mike Baunton, who returns to the role of chair of the SMMT Industry Forum board after serving as interim MD, the organization said.
Sadler has 15 years of tier one automotive manufacturing and supply chain experience. He joined Industry Forum in February 2020, as general manager automotive and then director of business development later that year.
“Richard’s experience and expertise will play a critical role in ensuring Industry Forum helps automotive companies improve their competitiveness, productivity and skills at a time when the sector faces myriad challenges,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.
“With the sector desperately trying to build back following the pandemic while facing ongoing supply challenges, the importance of productivity and competitiveness improvement cannot be understated,” added Sadler.
