JCT600’s Beryl Carney receives Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award

JCT600’s head of commercial vehicles Beryl Carney was presented with the first UK Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award at an event to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

Two hundred people from the automotive industry attended the event as part of Cox Automotive’s Women With Drive programme, which aims to promote diversity in the automotive industry.

The winner was selected by a judging panel that included Cox Automotive’s Martin Forbes and Alison Fisher, Fleet News’ Sarah Tooze, Marshall Motor Group’s Daksh Gupta, and Auto Trader’s Catherine Faiers.

Martin Forbes, chief executive of Cox Automotive, presented the award to Carney in recognition of exceptional leadership skills that have seen her design and deliver a successful strategy, generating excellent financial results and outstanding customer service scores.

Forbes said: “Our Women With Drive programme exists to encourage women to consider a career in automotive, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than by showcasing inspirational leaders like Beryl.

“It was an honour to be part of the judging panel, and see the exceptional quality of the nominations first-hand, and I’d like to congratulate everyone on the shortlist.”

“For us, what stood out about Beryl’s nomination was the clear demonstration of a passion for leadership. By developing a strategy, and winning the support of her team, it’s clear that Beryl has created a high-performing division recognised for its financial success and customer experience.”

Under her leadership, the commercial vehicle division of JCT600 has won a host of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle and JCT600 awards, and Carney herself has been presented with the coveted Volkswagen gold pin in recognition of her contribution to the brand.

Leasing industry professionals Carrie Knox, account director at LeasePlan UK, and Mary Dopson-Taylor, customer services director at Grosvenor Leasing, were shortlisted for the award, along with Clare Martin, group HR director at Jardine Motors, Sam Watkins, director of sales and marketing at C Walton and Sue Robinson, director NFDA.

In addition to the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award, Cox Automotive holds regular Women With Drive events that focus on personal development and celebrating success.