IAM RoadSmart Appoints Mark Armitage as Permanent Chief Executive

Road safety organisation IAM RoadSmart has confirmed the appointment of Mark Armitage as its new chief executive, following several months in the role on an interim basis.

Armitage officially succeeds Antony Kildare, who stepped down in September 2025 after three years leading the charity to become chair of Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Having overseen the organisation during the transitional period, Armitage will now take permanent charge as IAM RoadSmart continues its focus on road safety education and driver training initiatives across the UK.

Extensive automotive and education experience

Armitage brings more than three decades of experience spanning both the automotive and education sectors.

During his career, he has held senior leadership positions with several major industry organisations, including Ford, the RAC, Autotech Group, Skillnet and the Institute of the Motor Industry.

He also contributed to the development of the government’s T-Level qualifications while serving on a Department for Education panel between 2017 and 2018.

Focus on reducing road casualties

Speaking after his appointment, Armitage said improving road safety remains the organisation’s central priority, particularly in light of continuing casualty figures on UK roads.

He noted that more than 30,000 people were killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads during 2024, highlighting the importance of collaboration between charities, government and industry stakeholders to improve driver education and awareness.

Armitage also praised the work of IAM RoadSmart’s volunteers and staff, recognising the role they play in delivering training courses and supporting the organisation’s wider objectives.

Trustees back long-term vision

IAM RoadSmart chair Shona Johnstone said the board had been impressed by Armitage’s leadership during his interim tenure.

She said he had provided the charity with a strong strategic direction while demonstrating a clear commitment to improving road safety outcomes and modernising the organisation’s services.

Johnstone added that Armitage shares IAM RoadSmart’s ambition of achieving zero road deaths and serious injuries while ensuring the charity continues to evolve to meet changing transport and mobility challenges.

Charity finances

According to the organisation’s latest accounts, IAM RoadSmart recorded an income of £6.5m for the financial year ending March 2025.