IAAF chief executive backs fair gender representation by joining Automotive 30% Club

Mark Field, chief executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation (IAAF) has become the latest member of The Automotive 30% Club, a voluntary group of MDs and CEOs from automotive manufacturing, retailing and supplier companies looking to create fair gender representation throughout the industry. 

The club was founded by Julia Muir, CEO of Gaia Innovation Ltd, with the purpose of achieving a better gender balance within the automotive industry, and with the aim of filling at least 30 percent of key leadership positions in the member organisations with women by 2030.

Mark Field, chief executive of IAAF, said: “The Automotive 30% Club is an incredibly important initiative and I’m looking forward to working alongside such a progressive team as their latest member in helping to champion gender diversity throughout the industry. 

“Diversity and inclusivity are values that are fundamental to a successful work environment – fair representation within the workforce is very high on IAAF’s agenda and is essential for strong business growth throughout the wider automotive aftermarket. 

“There are so many opportunities for this sector to thrive long into the future and it is therefore imperative that as an industry we work together to ensure that not only do women feel encouraged to enter the automotive aftermarket, but that they play key roles in helping to shape the narrative.”

With more than 20 years’ experience in the automotive aftermarket, Field joined the IAAF as chief executive in 2021. 

The federation’s aim is to promote all aspects of the aftermarket and support every part of a member’s business while providing beneficial services. 

The IAAF exists purely to represent the needs and requirements of its members and to co-ordinate its shared strengths to promote the independent automotive aftermarket as a credible alternative for vehicle service and repair.

Julia Muir, founder of Automotive 30% Club, said: "I'm very pleased to announce that Mark Field, Chief Executive of the Independent Automotive Aftermarket Federation, is joining the Club. 

“The IAAF represents the entire automotive aftermarket chain, comprising manufacturers, suppliers, warehouse distributors, buying groups, motor factors and independent garages, and its prime function is to promote and secure the future of the independent automotive aftermarket to the benefit of their members and the sector.”

Muir adds: “Mark has recognised that a strategy of increasing diverse female representation has a critical role to play in the future success of the UK aftermarket, and we will work together to inform IAAF members on how to tap into the business benefits of gender balance."

For more information on the Automotive 30% club, visit https://www.automotive30club.co.uk