Barbara Cox ‘Woman of the Year’ Award 2023 shortlist revealed

The shortlist for this year's Cox Automotive Barbara Cox Woman of the Year award has been unveiled.

The award recognises inspirational female leaders in the automotive industry and is held in association with Fleet News and AM.

Six inspiring women were selected by a judging panel which included previous winners Caroline Burnell (pictured) and Lorna McAtear. 

More than 50 entries were received, with nominations representing women operating in all aspects of the automotive industry, including fleet management, manufacturing, retail, publishing, consultancy and technology solutions.

The 2023 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year shortlist is as follows:

Mariam Aslam-Digger, commercial director at Rhino Group

Erin Baker, editorial director at Auto Trader

Kate Ruberry-Shoemack, head of people and communication at Rygor Commercials

Sara Sloman, chief strategy officer at Paythru and director of The EV Café

Dal Dosanjh, head of marketing communications at Epyx

Kate Howdon, head of HR for eStar Truck & Van

The winner will be announced at Cox Automotive’s Women with Drive event on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2023.

As well as the prestigious award, the winner will receive £5,000 to spend on her own personal development.

The full judging panel this year was Caroline Burnell, head of marketing and communications, eStar truck and van; Lorna McAtear, head of fleet, National Grid; Sarnjit Kaur, chief people officer, Cox Automotive; Liam Quegan, managing director – wholesale and board sponsor for Women with Drive, Cox Automotive; and Mandy Cluskey, B2B publishing director, Bauer Media Group.

Commenting on this year’s Barbara Cox Award entries, Quegan said: “The quality and volume of entries received this year made judging a tough job for the panel and it certainly prompted a passionate discussion! It was also wonderful to see so many new names this year and from businesses operating in almost every aspect of the automotive sector.

“The six ladies shortlisted should be phenomenally proud of their achievements. They all amply demonstrate the criteria guiding our decision making: inspiring leadership, a commitment to innovation and giving back to their community or industry.”

Burnell, who won the award in 2022, added: “It was so wonderful to be part of the judging panel and to read so many outstanding entries about such inspiring women. They are all making their mark on our sector and setting an example for the next generation.

“Women with Drive and this award are genuine, positive and forward-thinking initiatives that highlight the great work being done in the automotive sector to make real change and I’m proud to have won last year. Congratulations to all those shortlisted.”

Women With Drive takes place between 2pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday, March 8, and is free to attend online - you can register here. 

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.