Volunteer Spotlight: Paula Cooper

Career History

I didn’t plan to work in the automotive industry! Whilst studying, I held a few part time roles, including working in a bakery shop (putting the jam in doughnuts was a highlight!) and on a market stall.

After graduating in Modern Languages and Politics, I applied for a management development role with a vehicle rental company. After that, I joined a dealer group in Surrey. I then joined Toyota GB, commencing in Vehicle Supply, and held various roles in Product, Lean Operations, After Sales, and Network Development, prior to joining the Board in 2016. 

"My role was to lead, pioneer and drive innovations to improve customer centricity, people development for the Retailer network, digital capabilities and commercialisation of omnichannel solutions, mobility solutions and data analytics maturity."

Paula Cooper, FIMI

In parallel, I have always endeavoured to champion a people focused mindset; encouraging talent and development pathways and a pragmatic approach to skills development; encouraging people to adapt to support customer requirements. I studied to become a mentor and coach, and seek to encourage diverse, fresh talent to join the industry.

How did you first become involved with volunteering for the IMI?

Whilst working for Toyota and Lexus GB, I was part of a collaboration with the IMI to support their More To Motor programme. The Toyota and Lexus Academy had a very robust and comprehensive approach to supporting its retailers in their development, nurturing and engagement of its teams. 

The ambition was to ensure the retailers could reach and attract the best of talent to their businesses, and provide excellent development and career opportunities that would mean they would remain motivated and loyal. As part of this, there was a clear aim to generate awareness of automotive opportunities to people who were not yet in the automotive industry and to provide a picture of the wide range of disciplines, roles and skills available.

"The More To Motor programme was a great fit for both companies, and a number of people from the Toyota and Lexus retailers and head office participated; demonstrating the diversity of people, roles, background and skills working together to provide efficient and effective businesses and deliver great customer experience."

Paula Cooper, FIMI

This collaboration, combined with being aware of the ambitious step change in development, performance and reach that the IMI intended to undertake, led me to apply for a Non Executive Director role. I joined the Board mid 2025 and have thoroughly enjoyed working with, and getting to know, a focused, talented and professional team.

Why do you think volunteering is important for the automotive industry?

I have been very lucky to have enjoyed a fulfilling and rewarding career in the automotive industry, and have worked with some talented, inspirational and thought-provoking people on a number of topics and across several disciplines.

I believe awareness of the opportunities, challenges, development and camaraderie in the industry does not reach many of the people who would enjoy and flourish in the very broad landscape in which they could work. 

Working with the IMI, I hope to be able to make a contribution to generating awareness of and interest in, the automotive sector. The opportunities and immense and there is a great and sound heritage alongside the accelerating embracing of new developments, technology, AI, brand power and customer expectations.

Interested in becoming a volunteer with the IMI? Contact Zoe Sykes, Member Network and Volunteer Manager, to find out more about volunteer opportunities.