Alison Jones, PSA Group's managing director for the Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles brands in the UK, has received the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award at an event to mark International Women’s Day.

Now in its second year, the award, which is run in partnership with AM and Fleet News, is named after Barbara Cox, the business pioneer who served as director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s parent company in the USA.

It recognises a woman that demonstrates a commitment to innovation, leadership or community, and awards £5,000 for her to spend on her own personal development.

More than 140 people from the automotive industry attended the event last Friday (March 6) as part of Cox Automotive’s Women With Drive programme, which aims to promote diversity in the automotive industry.

Jones was selected by a judging panel that included Marshall Motor Group’s CEO Daksh Gupta, AutoTrader director Catherine Faiers, Fleet News’ deputy editor Sarah Tooze, last year’s winner, Beryl Carney, head of commercial vehicles for JCT600 plus Cox Automotive UK’s CEO Martin Forbes and chief people officer Alison Fisher.

Alphabet and BMW Group Financial Services’ compliance director Leanne Christmas and Sytner Group’s head of learning and development Sue Sansome were highly commended.

Forbes presented the award to Jones in recognition of her exceptional leadership skills, strong customer and team ethos and the impressive results she has achieved, often during uncertain times, in a career spanning more than 20-years in the industry.

Forbes said: “Our Women With Drive programme exists to celebrate the work of women in the automotive industry. And we certainly did that today by showcasing Alison and her inspirational leadership.

“It was clear from Alison’s nomination that she lives by the traits of this award – embracing innovation and advancing the industry, inspiring others through a commitment to great leadership, and giving back to the community.

“Alison’s customer centred approach and her determination to bring this customer focus into the boardroom was clear.

“In fact, she is also a vice president for the Institute of Customer Service, a role she has held for more than seven years representing the automotive sector. 

“It was an honour to be part of the judging panel – and I’d like to congratulate everyone on the shortlist.”

Picture caption: Alison Jones (centre), receives the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award from Alison Fisher and Martin Forbes.

More articles on: