Here they are – the Barbara Cox “Woman of the Year” Award 2024 shortlist revealed

The phenomenal women in the running for Cox Automotive’s Barbara Cox “Woman of the Year” Award 2024 have been revealed. The award recognises inspirational females in automotive and is run in partnership with AM-Online and Fleet News. 

Six inspiring women were selected by a panel of judges, including previous winners Sara Sloman and Lorna McAtear. A huge number of nominations were received for ladies making their mark in all areas of the automotive industry, including fleet management, manufacturing, retail, publishing, consultancy and technology. 

The shortlisted six are: 

• Marta Blázquez – President, Faconauto  
• Jacqui Barker – OEM Strategy Director, Global, Keyloop
• Jade Budden – Head of Marketing & Online, Fords of Winsford 
• Lucy Line – Deputy Managing Director, Novuna Vehicle Solutions 
• Sally Foote – Chief Commercial Officer, Sell My Car, Carwow 
• Lisa Spong – Sales Director, Reflex Vehicle Hire. 

Sam Panayides, Sales Director, Cox Automotive, said: “We’re thrilled to reveal such a talent-packed lineup for the Barbara Cox ‘Woman of the Year’ Award 2024. These six women and what they have achieved are the very essence of what the award is about. They are inspirational, breaking barriers and garnering success in the automotive industry. 

“The sheer variety of nominees this year is remarkable in terms of age, where they’re based, what they do and how they are reshaping the sector for the better. They represent the full spectrum of ladies in the industry. The judging panel will have an extremely tough decision to make on who the winner is. The shortlist collectively embodies the criteria guiding that choice: inspiring leadership, a commitment to innovation and giving back to their community or industry.” 

The winner will be announced at an event on 5th June. In addition to the prestigious prize, the winner will receive £5,000 to spend on her personal development. 

The full judging panel this year includes Sam Panayides, Sarnjit Kaur, Chief People Officer International, Cox Automotive; Vicky Gardner, Director of NextGear Development, NextGear Capital; Sara Sloman, Chief Strategy Officer, Paythru; Lorna McAtear, Head of Fleet, National Grid; and Aimee Turner, Deputy Editor, AM-online. 

2023 winner Sara Sloman said: “It’s an honour to be part of the panel after winning last year’s award and it has been truly inspiring to read the many deserving entries detailing so many great women. “The Barbara Cox Award and initiatives like it are important because they shine a light on the great things being done in automotive to make lasting change. A huge congratulations to all those shortlisted.”