U.K. Automaker Group SMMT Names New CEO

Britain's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has hired Bentley Motors executive Michael Hawes as its new chief executive. He will join the trade group in early autumn.

Hawes will succeed Mike Baunton, who has served as interim CEO since late January, when Paul Everitt left SMMT to head the U.K. defense and aerospace trade group.

Hawes started his career in the U.K. government and most recently held a series of policy and public affairs posts at Bentley. He also has worked for BMW, Land Rover, Pininfarina, Toyota and Bentley parent Volkswagen.