Sarah Sillars became Executive Chair of the IMI in 2009, following eight years as its Chief Executive. Sarah continues to spearhead a concerted campaign for the development and recognition of skilled individuals in the retail motor industry, underpinning the IMI's mission to improve professionalism in the sector through ‘ethical competence.'

Awarded ‘Industry Personality of the Year 2004' and 'Outstanding Achievement Award 2006' by automotive magazines, AM and Motor Trader respectively, AM Magazine, listed Sarah as the tenth most influential person in the UK motor industry and the ‘most powerful' female  executive, according to the 2007 AM Power List.

In September 2008, she was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by Bodyshop Magazine in recognition of the IMI's work with ATA in the body repair sector.

Sarah was awarded the OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June 2008 for services to skills training and the retail motor industry.

She has more than twenty five years of experience within the motor and retail industries, having begun her career as a management trainee with Marks & Spencer, later managing stores in England and Wales.

Speaking of her appointment to the BEN Board of Trustees, Sarah said;

"It was with great pleasure that I was able to accept the Trustee position with BEN. Having been a close follower and ardent supporter of the welfare work that is given to young and old alike by BEN, I will now be able to get more involved beyond being a supporter and fundraiser."