The Motor Industry Communicators Association has a new chairperson, with Ford Public Affairs’ Oliver Rowe taking over from colleague Poppy McKenzie Smith.
The handover marks two years since MICA’s summer launch in 2021. The first brands signing up to MICA – Ford, VW Group, McLaren, Praga and CNH Industrial – have since been joined by Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Torque, Suzuki and SMMT, with other applications in progress since a SMMT Test Day recruitment drive.
MICA’s specialist training for auto communicators extends to tailored masterclasses, 1:1 mentoring by a committee member and OEM comms vice-president, and discounted access to courses by the Public Relations and Communications Association.
“After training, the second main area of interest among members is easy and fun to deliver – socialising and networking with fellow auto communicators!” said Oliver.
“We have welcomed members’ to a lively and entertaining talk by design specialist Stephen Bayley, and supported the excellent WOMAC cause at its event and our own at Bicester Heritage. Thanks Poppy for leading MICA’s strong start, which the committee and I look forward to growing further.”
MICA news, training and events are on Mica.org.uk, where full professional membership is available from £150 annually, £50 for an associate new in role, and £15 for students.
MICA committee, from left: Mark Harrison, Praga Cars; outgoing MICA chair Poppy McKenzie Smith, Ford; auto tech communicator Richard Gotch; former auto journalist Liz Turner; new MICA chair Oliver Rowe, Ford; Richard Gadeselli, Itria Consulting; Jamie Fretwell, Mercedes-Benz Trucks; Danny Fleet, Presence (Roger Ormisher, McLaren; Euan Antona, Torque; and Mike Orford, VW not pictured)