How to enter

ARE you a Rising Star within leasing or contract hire? Between now and June 23, AM (Fleet News' sister title) and Courland Automotive Practice are looking for the next generation of leaders – those who will shape the strategic direction and dictate future policies of our industry.

Now in its second year, Rising Stars, sponsored by Bank of Scotland Corporate, is a unique chance to celebrate the people who are making a difference, and to praise the companies developing the talent.

A specialist panel of senior industry directors has been set up to judge the entries. It will be chaired by Honda UK managing director Ken Keir and advised by AM editor Stephen Briers and Courland Automotive Practice global managing partner Martin Bohling.

Three finalists from four core industry sectors – retail (car sales and repairs), manufacturer, fleet/leasing and industry supplier – will be identified in six categories:

  • Marketing
  • Human resources
  • Sales
  • General management
  • Finance
  • Public relations

    To qualify, you must be under 40 and submit the following:

  • A summary of your career to date
  • A brief outline of your current role, business challenge and key priorities
  • Three key achievements which demonstrate innovation, leadership and business improvement.

    Following a rigorous evaluation process, finalists and an overall Rising Stars winner will be announced at an exclusive dinner at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham on September 12.

    Complete the form on the wesbite to enter here: www.automotive-risingstars.com. All entries must be in before June 23. The Rising Stars 2006 Judges

    FINANCE Jon Olsen, BCA chief executive
    Jon Olsen is chief executive of BCA, Europe’s biggest vehicle remarketing company with 40 centres, handling more than 1.3m vehicles per year.
    Category sponsor: Capital Bank Motor

    SALES Nigel Stead, Lloyds TSB Autolease
    Managing director Nigel Stead set up Autolease in 2000 after Lloyds TSB bought Chartered Trust. He has also worked for Appleyard, Velo and JCT600.
    Category sponsor: Rockingham

    MARKETING Paul Wilcox, Nissan Europe
    Wilcox, Nissan Europe vice president, strategy and marketing, has been with Nissan since 1992 and is a former Nissan GB marketing director.
    Category sponsor: Google

    HR Gill Banham, Jardine Motor Group
    Group HR director at Jardine, Gill Banham oversees delivery of HR, management training and customer services.
    Category sponsor: automotive skills

    PR Graham Biggs, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
    As corporate communications director, Biggs heads an international team at the Goodwood head office. Biggs directed the public launch of the Phantom.
    Category sponsor: pf and pr

    GENERAL MANAGEMENT Sir Peter Vardy
    Sold his Reg Vardy business to Pendragon in February and is now considering his options in the motor retail business. Highly respected by his peers, Sir Peter was named AM personality of the year in 2003.
    Category sponsor: tbc Rising Stars partner

    Courland Automotive Practice is the only resourcing firm dedicated exclusively to the global automotive industry.

    With unrivalled knowledge of all automotive sectors and an extensive network of industry contacts, Courland has established a reputation for high quality executive search, interim management and consulting services to the automotive leaders of today…and tomorrow.

    WEBSITE: Rising Stars online.