20/06/2018

Autocar recognises inspirational women

Autocar has named Linda Jackson, Citroën Global CEO, the most influential British woman working in the motor industry ahead of its annual Great British Women in the Car Industry event, held in association with the SMMT.

Jackson has topped Autocar's shortlist of the top 100 British women in the automotive sector ahead of a star-studded event at the Barbican Centre in London, earning the accolade for the second time in three years.

With over 40 years of experience in the motor industry, this award is the latest in a long line for Jackson, whose leading role in the resurgence of the French manufacturer has won plaudits from all corners of the car sector.

Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw said, 'Linda's four-year tenure leading Citroën has overseen a remarkable and meteoric rise for the brand. The car industry needs more Linda Jacksons; she's not only a role model, but an example to women wanting to work in the car industry that the sky is not the limit if you have the talent and determination.'

Receiving the overall award, as well as winning the 'executive category' honour, Jackson commented, 'It's an honour and testament to the hard work from everyone at Citroën that has helped build on what has been such a successful few years.

'There is a huge wealth of talent in the sector and it's a truly exciting industry to be a part of, especially as automotive is one of the most pioneering industries when it comes to future technology. I hope this Autocar award inspires even more women to pursue a career in this industry at all levels.'

Other individual category award winners include Jaguar Land Rover chief product engineer, Elizabeth Hill, who has heavily influenced the British manufacturer's award-winning product line-up, and Helen Emsley, the Yorkshire-born design director of General Motors-owned brands GMC and Buick.

The Great British Women in the Car Industry's 100-strong 'power-list' looks to celebrate success and encourage more women into the car industry at all levels and in all sectors, from purchasing to product development.

Mark added, 'While there are certainly challenges in the car industry, it's heartening to see such a wealth of outstanding British women thriving in an array of roles and in the most senior positions.

'There is plenty of work to be done but, by highlighting the considerable impact of these women, we hope we can inspire more women into our amazing automotive world.'

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, 'We are delighted to be involved with this fantastic event again this year, celebrating the many achievements of the top 100 British women in the car industry. Issues of inequality are rightly in the headlines at the moment, highlighting the challenges that remain in ensuring everyone has equal treatment and equal opportunity. The motor industry has improved gradually but still has a long way to go and the women we celebrate today are often role models who have prospered in what is a highly competitive environment. We hope that in years to come, more and more women will follow in the footsteps of the top 100 and help the sector be truly representative of society and the customer base we serve.'

The event, organised by Autocar in association with the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), is backed by BMW, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, MINI, Nissan and Toyota.

It will feature keynote speeches from Jackson and Olympic-hockey great Karen Brown, as well as a discussion panel filled with a wealth of high-profile leaders and moderated by the chair of the Great British Women judging panel, Rachael Prasher, managing director of Haymarket Automotive, which publishes Autocar.

You can view the full list of the top 100 by clicking here.

The full list of category winners is below:

#GreatBritishWomen

Executive and overall winner

Linda Jackson, chief executive officer, Citroën

Design

Helen Emsley, design director, General Motors

Product Development

Elizabeth Hill, chief product engineer, Jaguar Land Rover

Communications

Fiona Pargeter, customer experience director, Jaguar Land Rover

Government Affairs

Helen Foord, head of government relations and public policy, PSA Groupe

Manufacturing

Josephine Payne, plant manager, Ford Motor Company

Purchasing

Sue Slaughter, director of purchasing, Ford of Europe

Sales - Brand

Rachael Thompson, sales director, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK

Sales - Retail

Diana Mackinnon, general manager, Lexus Edgware

Marketing

Michelle Roberts, marketing director, BMW Group UK

Human Resources

Clare Martin, group HR director, Jardine Motors Group