IAM RoadSmart has announced the appointment of Mike Quinton as its new chief executive, effective April 23.

Quinton (pictured) will leave his role as chief executive of the National House Building Council (NHBC) to join IAM later this month, replacing Sarah Sillers who will relocate to Hampshire as her three-year contract draws to a close.

Having three decades of business experience, Quinton initially trained to be an accountant with Prudential and undertook a variety of finance roles before heading up the company’s motor and home insurance business.

After steering the sale of this part of the business to Churchill and then RBS, he then moved on to Zurich Financial Services' European direct-to-consumer insurance operation.

Quinton said: “I was attracted to the role by the company's social purpose. All of us can buy in to the need to improve safety on our roads and I relish the opportunity to do my bit in that regard.

“I have been brought in to continue Sarah's good work, and that is what I intend to do. I will be very much in listening mode initially, and will get out and about to talk to as many people as possible, both within and outside the business.

“The organisation has a long and enviable track record and is clearly highly regarded and authoritative.

"Recent changes have re-energised and re-positioned the business and my aim is to make IAM RoadSmart a strong and sustainable organisation that is future focussed and a leader in UK road safety for many years to come”.

IAM RoadSmart’s chairman Ken Keir said: “The changes made in the last three years under the remarkable stewardship of Sarah Sillars have given us the opportunity of attracting someone of the calibre and experience of Mike who is looking for evolution, not revolution in the achievement of our future plans.”