CONSULTANCY

Antonio works with automotive manufacturers and suppliers to strengthen quality management systems, improve supplier performance and enhance manufacturing capability. With extensive experience across Tier 1 suppliers and OEM production environments, he supports organisations in implementing robust quality processes that improve consistency, reduce risk and drive continual improvement. Antonio’s expertise includes IATF 16949, VDA process and product audits, AIAG and VDA Core Tools, supplier quality management and structured problem solving. He also brings significant experience in injection moulding process validation, helping organisations develop effective manufacturing processes while building long-term quality capability throughout the supply chain.

Sarah leads SMMT Quality Management’s consultancy team, helping manufacturers strengthen quality management systems, improve operational performance and meet the evolving demands of the automotive and manufacturing sectors. Drawing on extensive experience across Tier 1 automotive, aerospace and OEM production environments, she works with organisations to implement robust quality frameworks that deliver sustainable business improvement. Sarah specialises in ISO 9001, IATF 16949, VDA process audits and automotive Core Tools, including FMEA, APQP, PPAP, SPC and MSA. Through consultancy and training, she supports organisations in developing capability, improving compliance and embedding best practice that delivers measurable improvements in quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Ian partners with organisations to improve operational performance through Lean transformation, leadership development and practical business improvement. With leadership experience spanning aerospace, defence, telecommunications, marine and manufacturing, he brings a broad understanding of operational excellence across complex engineering and production environments. Ian specialises in Lean manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), business maturity assessments, leadership development, SMED and structured problem solving. He works closely with organisations to develop capability, strengthen leadership and implement practical improvements that increase productivity, engage people and support sustainable long-term performance.

Stephen supports automotive manufacturers, certification bodies and quality professionals in achieving excellence in quality management systems and IATF 16949 compliance. With more than 30 years’ experience in the automotive industry, including over two decades as a third-party auditor, he brings extensive expertise across OEMs and every tier of the automotive supply chain, helping organisations strengthen compliance, improve audit readiness and drive continual improvement.

Recognised internationally for his expertise in IATF 16949, Stephen is an IATF-recognised trainer and serves on the IATF Training Commission, contributing to the development of auditor competency and the integrity of the certification scheme. He specialises in IATF 16949, auditor development, Core Tools and customer-specific requirements, delivering consultancy and training that enables organisations to build capability, improve quality performance and achieve sustainable operational excellence.

Ariana helps manufacturers strengthen quality management systems, improve operational performance and achieve compliance with internationally recognised industry standards. With more than 27 years’ experience across a range of manufacturing sectors, she works with organisations to develop robust quality frameworks, reduce risk and embed continuous improvement that delivers sustainable business performance.

Specialising in quality management systems, Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, Ariana has extensive experience implementing and maintaining certifications including IATF 16949, AS9100 Rev D, ISO 9001, Nadcap, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISCC+. Through consultancy, training and practical support, she helps organisations improve quality performance, build internal capability and implement lasting improvements that enhance operational excellence and customer confidence.

Neil helps manufacturers improve operational performance by combining quality management expertise with practical experience in Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. As a former senior leader within production environments, he understands the challenges organisations face in improving productivity while maintaining quality and operational stability. Neil supports businesses in implementing and enhancing Lean, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) as well as structured problem solving and Six Sigma methodologies. His collaborative approach enables organisations to reduce waste, improve efficiency and embed sustainable improvements that deliver lasting operational and commercial benefits.

Bianca supports automotive manufacturers and suppliers in strengthening quality performance, developing internal capability and achieving excellence in quality management. With experience spanning quality engineering, FMEA facilitation and quality management across OEMs and Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers, she combines technical expertise with a practical understanding of manufacturing operations. Bianca specialises in IATF 16949, AIAG and VDA Core Tools, technical cleanliness, problem solving and quality management systems. Through consultancy, training and coaching, she helps organisations improve compliance, enhance product quality and build robust processes that support continuous improvement and long-term operational success.

Niall is the Head of IATF Oversight at SMMT. Niall oversees the activities designed to maintain the robustness, consistency, and credibility of SMMT reporting IATF recognised certification bodies. Niall participates in a number of IATF committees including the Global Oversight committee and the IATF General Assembly.

Niall started his career as a technician apprentice with Lucas Aerospace before joining Delco Chassis (a division of General Motors) on their graduate training programme.

Niall joined SMMT Industry Forum in 2002 and was engaged in the implementation of lean improvement activities across a range of organisations and sectors for 8 years before joining the IATF Oversight team at SMMT in 2010.

Louise joined SMMT Oversight in 2005 and has responsibility for SMMT Oversight’s global Witness Audit and Office Assessment programmes. Louise brings a wealth of experience having worked in the Oversight office from the early days of the IATF certification scheme. Louise provides support and guidance to Certification Bodies related to the scheme Rules, IATF processes, IT systems and auditor training and evaluation. Louise also participates in and supports projects for the IATF, Global Oversight, and SQM.

Prior to joining SMMT, Louise gained experience working for 7 years at a Gas-Strut manufacturing site, initially working in Purchasing and Production Control and moving on to Quality Management and Continuous Improvement Leadership. Louise has a degree from Manchester Metropolitan University in Applied Human Communication.

Dilip Kumar joined SMMT Oversight in May 2026 as the IATF Certification Body Manager, responsible for overseeing engagement with IATF-recognised Certification Bodies, supporting the integrity and effectiveness of the IATF certification scheme, perform office assessments, witness audits, CB performance monitoring, and complaint management activities.

Prior to joining SMMT, Dilip Kumar was handling various technical and leadership roles, including the Global Technical Manager role with leading certification bodies. He also brings extensive international experience in automotive quality management, certification, and auditing, with specialist expertise in IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and certification scheme governance. Dilip Kumar works closely with Certification Bodies, industry stakeholders, and IATF working groups to promote consistency, compliance, and continual improvement across the automotive certification landscape.