Paul Jones

Chief Executive, Northern Automotive Alliance

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 tones.

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 has been a member of IMechE since 1996, a Fellow since 2001 and is currently Chair of the Technical Strategy Board and Immediate Past Chair of the Automobile Division Board, having also previously been Chair of its North- West Centre from 2000 to 2010.

 

Latest Updates and Events

Photo of the Connect to Work delivery team from one of the launch events.

Connect to Work Launch Events Bring Stakeholders Together Across Lancashire

Connect to Work marked a major milestone this month, hosting three successful launch events to celebrate the programme going fully live across Lancashire and strengthen relationships with partners...

Photo showing employers attending a training session

Inclusive Recruitment: Strengthening Employer Practice Across Lancashire

The Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub hosted a highly successful Inclusive Recruitment training session on 18th March 2026 at the Samlesbury Hotel, bringing together employers from across the county to explore...

Two people sitting around a coffee table, smiling and talking openly

Successful start to Connect to Work: Supporting Lancashire Residents into Employment

Connect to Work, a new employment support initiative fully funded by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), has reached its six‑month milestone in Lancashire after launching at...