Graham Smith OBE

Executive Advisor To The President

Toyota

Graham Smith graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge, in the United Kingdom, with a Masters Degree in Economics. He subsequently gained a Diploma in Business Administration from Manchester Business School.

Graham joined Toyota (GB) PLC in 1993 as a Regional General Manager, was subsequently appointed Marketing Director in May 1994 and promoted to the position of Managing Director on 1 January 1996. He was appointed Senior Vice-President, Toyota Motor Europe, responsible for External Affairs on 1 July 2006, and joined the company’s Executive Committee. On 1 January 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. Prior to joining Toyota (GB) PLC, Graham held a number of senior Sales and Marketing positions with Ford Motor Company.

In January 2003, Graham was invited to Chair the newly established UK Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) and held this position until the 31 March 2009. He remains a Member of the Board of Trustees. The LowCVP is a partnership of around 360 organisations who are stakeholders at the forefront of initiatives to reduce carbon emissions from road vehicles.

Members include representatives of vehicle manufacturers and fuels companies, environmental organisations, road user groups, academic and government bodies. The LowCVP develops initiatives to promote the sale and supply of low carbon vehicles and fuels and provides input and advice on UK Government policy. The organisation also provides a forum for partners to share knowledge and information.
 
On 1 January 2007, Graham was appointed for a two year term as President of the UK Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). As Immediate Past President 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 the Motor Industry Charity BEN. On 1 January 2008 in the UK he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s New Year Honours for Services to the Automotive Industry.