Automotive 30% Club names the industry’s most Inspiring Automotive Women 2020

What better way to start 2021 than to celebrate the UK’s most inspiring women from within the automotive sector.

Sponsored by Jardine Motors Group, the Automotive 30% Club’s Inspiring Automotive Women Awards recognise and celebrate the unsung heroes of the automotive industry and are unique in the sector because anyone can nominate a woman who works within the Club’s member companies, on the basis that they have personally been inspired by them, irrespective of role or seniority.

From the 225 nominations received, 30 women were selected as winners along with the Inspiring Automotive Woman of the Year for 2020. Rebecca Clark, UK Sales Director, Auto Trader was the very deserving recipient of this award because of the strength of her commitment to gender-balance.

Nathan Coe, Auto Trader’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “At Auto Trader, we sit across both automotive and technology industries, both of which face significant diversity challenges. That’s why we are fiercely proud of Rebecca’s long-term commitment to educating, inspiring and attracting more women into the automotive industry, which is an innovative and exciting sector. This has enriched our own culture and helped provide a foundation for so many of our female colleagues to thrive in their careers. Rebecca is a wonderful ambassador and role model both within the industry and at Auto Trader and we couldn’t be more thrilled for her recognition.”

From the 30 winners selected, the judges felt 4 women were deserving of an additional accolade and therefore have received special recognition for their incredible achievements. Clare Wright, Group HR Director, Jardine Motors Group wins the Inclusive Leader Award, Alison Jones, Group Managing Director UK & Senior Vice President, Groupe PSA wins the Trailblazer Award, Sharon Ashcroft, Group HR Director wins the HR Director Game Changer Award and Lilly-Ann Hulse, Digital & Technology Degree Apprentice, Bentley Motors wins the Rising Star Award.

Julia Muir, Founder Automotive 30% Club, CEO Gaia Innovation comments:

“Today we celebrate and recognise the most inspiring women in the sector, nominated by colleagues and peers. We have heard wonderful uplifting stories of how all these amazing women have not only added significant value to their businesses, but are also encouraging others to improve and progress, or giving much needed support to their team members through the unsettling impact of the pandemic. They are actively involved in creating inclusive environments and are also engaged in activities to show that automotive is a positive career choice for women. They are lifting other women as they rise, and as per the motto of the suffragette movement, they are taking real action with “deeds not words”.

“All of these truly fabulous women deserve our heartfelt appreciation for their outstanding contribution to making our industry more vibrant, exciting, warm, collaborative and successful. I’d like to say a special congratulations to all of our winners on winning their thoroughly deserved award, and being a Game Changer in the automotive sector.”

Winners will come together ‘virtually’ this evening for a closed intimate celebration event hosted by Julia Muir. Attendees will hear from judge Erin Baker, Award Winning Motor Journalist along with a special conversation piece featuring Rebecca Clark. Stay tuned for the chance to watch this back when the Club publishes the recording on the 14th of January.

To find out more, including the full list of Inspiring Automotive Women Award Winners, head over to https://auto30club.com/inspiring-automotive-women/inspiring-automotive-women-awards/2020/the-winners-of-the-automotive-30-clubs-2020-inspiring-automotive-women-awards