Paul Jones
Chief Executive, Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA)
Paul Jones graduated in Mechanical Engineering from Manchester Metropolitan University and has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years.
He spent 12 years with Foden Trucks, in Design & Development, including assignments in UK, USA and the Netherlands; with eventual responsibility for all design and development of new commercial vehicles from 17 – 150 tonnes.
In 2000 he joined Bentley Motors, where he held a range of posts including Chief Program Engineer for the first-generation Continental GT and then Product Line Director for all subsequent Continental & Flying Spur models. In 2010 he was promoted to Director of Product Management, with executive responsibility for all future Bentley product strategy and planning. This included close working with fellow VW Sports & Luxury Brand Group partners: Porsche, Lamborghini & Bugatti.
In 2020 he joined the Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) as Chief Executive. The NAA is an independent not-for-profit membership organization, with around 100 members, ranging from major OEMs, Tier 1’s and SMEs to several local Universities, supporting the interests of the automotive sector in the North of the country.
Paul is also a Non-Executive Director and Vice Chair of the Board for a The Countess of Chester NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, with Non-Executive lead roles for sustainability; charitable funds; and freedom to speak up.
Paul has been a member of Institution of Mechanical Engineers since 1996, a Fellow since 2001 and is the immediate past Chair of the Technical Strategy Board and former Chair of the Automobile Division Board, having also previously been Chair of its North- West Centre from 2000 to 2010.
Paul is also a member of the Make UK Regional Advisory Board and also holds Industrial Advisory Board positions at Manchester Metropolitan University and Blackpool & the Fylde College.