Graham Smith graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge with a Masters Degree in Economics. Prior to joiningToyota (GB) PLC in 1993 as a Regional General Manager, he held a number of senior Sales and Marketing positions with Ford Motor Company.

In 1994 Graham was appointed Marketing Director and then promoted to the position of Managing Director in 1996. In 2006 he was appointed Senior Vice-President, Toyota Motor Europe, responsible for External and Environmental Affairs and joined the company's Executive Committee.  In 2010 he was appointed Executive Advisor to the President of Toyota Motor Europe.

Graham also holds the position of Managing Director, Toyota Motor Europe London Office, coordinating efforts in Governmental and External Affairs specifically for the UK market. 

In 2003, Graham was invited to Chair the newly established UK Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership and held this position until 2009.  He remains a Member of the Board of Trustees. 

In 2007, Graham was appointed for a two year term as President of the UK Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and he remains a member of the SMMT Executive Committee.  He is a member of the UK Automotive Council and a Vice-President of both the UK Institute of the Motor Industry and of the Automotive Fellowship International.  He is also a Trustee of BEN.

In 2008. Graham was awarded an OBE in the Queen's New Year Honours for Services to the Automotive Industry.