Cox Automotive’s Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award celebrates remarkable women in European automotive who exemplify a dedication to innovation, leadership and community.

Nominations have been flooding in for this year’s award, but there is still time to nominate your Woman of the Year with the deadline for submissions on Friday (April 26).

Previous winners include 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 last year’s winner Sara Sloman who is chief strategy officer at EV fintech business Paythru. 

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

Sam Panayides, sales director at Cox Automotive and sponsor of the company’s Women with Drive group, said: “We’ve already received so many strong nominations for this year’s award, choosing just one winner will be a challenge for our judging panel.

“I think that’s a great sign, highlighting the fact that more and more women are making their mark in automotive. The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award is a fantastic honour that celebrates professional achievement while also shining a light on females who give something back.

“We hope that the award can help encourage and inspire more women to join the automotive industry.”

Last year’s winner, Sloman, said: “The Barbara Cox Women of the Year award is something I was truly honoured to receive.

“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 women play in automotive.”

Now in its sixth year, the prize sees Cox Automotive Europe once again team up with AM and Fleet News.

Stephen Briers, Bauer Media group editor of Fleet News, AM and Rail, said: “We’re delighted to once again be partnering with Cox Automotive, if you know someone you think would be a great choice for the award, then get nominating.

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

Named after Barbara Cox, former director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s parent company in the US, the award shines a spotlight on an inspirational female leader and role model in European automotive.

To nominate an inspirational female operating in the automotive sector, click here.