The winners of the 2020 Amazon Everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards have been announced.

The awards, which Fleet News supported, took place online this year, celebrating 15 individuals working in the transport and logistics sector, championing their achievements and showcasing them as inspiring role models to the next generation of female talent.

The winners encompassed a range of career experiences, "revealing the breadth of opportunities available to women in an industry often associated with men", Everywoman said.

The coveted ‘Woman of the Year Award’ was presented to Louise Whitehouse, managing director fleet maintenance Europe at FedEx Express. Whitehouse started her career in 1988 and became the youngest ever depot manager, before progressing to  becoming the first female managing director at FedEx.

Whitehouse has developed mentoring and apprenticeship schemes within the business and set up the Women’s Network at FedEx to encourage female team members to share success stories and make connections with other women.

For the first time this year, the awards introduced an ‘International Inspiration Award’ to celebrate a woman working outside the UK and Ireland. This was awarded to Mexico-based Liliana Pereira, head of operations LATAM at Steer.

Pereira has risen to the top of her organisation and has implemented pay equality across the company.

Maxine Benson MBE, co-founder of Everywoman, said: “In our first ever online ceremony, we are thrilled to announce the winners of the 2020 Amazon Everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards.

“Never before has the value of the transport and logistics sector been so highlighted as in 2020, when we ceased to take our supply chains for granted.

"From those taking their first steps into the working world, to those women who have pioneered change and championed diversity throughout their long careers, our winners represent the outstanding talent that exists in the transport and logistics industry today.

“We are delighted to be able to celebrate the skill and dedication of these individuals, particularly in a year when the crucial role this sector plays has become so evident.”

For each category, there is an ‘Above and Beyond Award’ and a ‘Leader Award’.

The Above and Beyond Award celebrates a woman that has 'gone above and beyond' her role to help drive the organisation's success. It is awarded to a woman at any stage of her career, in recognition of her commitment to going the ‘extra mile’.

The Leader Award celebrates a woman operating in a senior role within her organisation. She will be making a significant contribution to the strategic direction of the business.

2020 Amazon Everywoman in Transport & Logistics Awards winners (see finalists):

The Freight Award – sponsored by Unipart Rail

Above and Beyond - Hollie Ridley, team leader at Wincanton, from Worksop

Leader - Caroline Moody, managing director at Moody Logistics & Storage, from Northumberland

The Customer / Passenger Award – sponsored by Mercedes-Benz Vans

Above and Beyond - Kirstie Bull, manager Lewes Road Depot at Brighton & Hove buses, from Hove

Leader - Anne Shaw director of Network Resilience at Transport for West Midlands, from Birmingham

The Infrastructure Award – sponsored by Wincanton

Above and Beyond - Ivy Mwaura, marketing analyst at FedEx Express, from Nuneaton

Leader - Dyan Crowther, CEO at HS1 Limited, from London

The Supply Chain Award – presented by Fraikin

Above and Beyond - Jane Phillips, managing director at Pride & Joy, from Chesterfield

Leader - Tracey Clifford, general manager at Wincanton, from Sheffield

The Warehousing Award – sponsored by FedEx

Above and Beyond - Katherine Parker, senior project manager at J Sainsbury, from Warrington

Leader - Natalie Davidson, head of logistics operations and Swindon DC general manager at WH Smith, from Swindon

The Industry Champion Award – sponsored by Asda

Jo Moffatt, market partner for strategic rail at Atkins, from London

Male Agent of Change – sponsored by Siemens

David Hart, director at Momentum Transport Consultancy, from London

The Apprentice of the Year Award – sponsored by Mott Macdonald

Elizabeth Coase, trainee deck cadet at Shell International Ship Services, from Isle of Man