Last chance to nominate for the Barbara Cox ‘Woman of the Year’ award

There is less than a week to go until the nomination window closes for Cox Automotive’s Barbara Cox ‘Woman of the Year’ award for 2023, in association with Fleet News.

The prestigious award, now in its fifth year, honours inspirational women within the European automotive industry who demonstrate a commitment to innovation and leadership.

There have been some exceptional previous winners of the award since it was launched back in 2019 including inaugural winner, Beryl Carney, JCT600's head of commercial vehicles; Alison Jones, then senior vice president and Stellantis country manager UK in 2020; Lorna McAtear, head of fleet at National Grid in 2021, and 2022’s winner Caroline Burnell (pictured), head of marketing and communications at motor retailer eStar truck and van.

In addition to the recognition, the winner of the award receives £5,000 to invest on her own personal development.

To nominate an inspirational female operating in the automotive sector, click here. The deadline for entries is January 31.

Sarnjit Kaur, chief people officer at Cox Automotive International, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Barbara Cox ‘Woman of the Year’ award reaching its fifth year in Europe.

“There are so many women doing great things within the automotive industry and it is important to recognise their achievements.

“The Barbara Cox Award is a fantastic opportunity which enables us to celebrate the impact and contribution of women across the industry, at all levels, and from all backgrounds.  

“Our hope is that this award will play a role in inspiring and encouraging women to join the automotive industry and uncover the many career development opportunities, where they can continue to make a difference and improve gender balance across the industry.

Last year’s award winner, Caroline Burnell, added: “Winning the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award was a major personal accolade.

“There are so many skill sets needed in this industry now and women have so much to offer.

“It’s great to see organisations such as Cox Automotive leading these initiatives and recognising the crucial role of women in automotive.”

The award is named after Barbara Cox, who served as director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s parent company in the USA, and recognises an inspirational female leader and role model in the automotive industry.

Stephen Briers, Bauer Media group editor of Fleet News, AM and Smart Transport, said: “We’re delighted to once again be partnering with Cox Automotive to highlight the important role women play across the automotive industry.

“We hope to raise the profile of women and encourage more to consider automotive as a career choice.”

Nominations for the Barbara Cox Award are invited from across the automotive industry and should be entered by clciking here. The winner will be announced on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023.