The appointment is the first to be made by the IAM’s chief executive officer Sarah Sillars, who joined the charity in March, and will see Upham taking on responsibility for the IAM’s commercial subsidiaries; IAM Drive & Survive, Professional Driver Services (PDS) and IAM Driver Retraining Academy (DRA). 

Upham comes from Thatcham Research where she currently holds the position of commercial director, a post she has held since 2008. 

Sillars said: “Our commercial operations are important to support our charity, whose purpose is advancing road safety. We are delighted that Lesley will be joining the team in July, with her extensive knowledge and experience. 

“Lesley has had a very successful career at the highly respected Thatcham (Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre) and we know that she is passionate about road safety and improving driver and rider standards.” 

Lesley Upham added: “I am delighted to be joining the Institute of Advanced Motorists at a time when a focus on driver and rider safety is set to bring real societal benefits. By working with business and private motorists and bikers, the IAM is leading the push for safer mobility."