The judging panel for the Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award has confirmed a shortlist of six inspirational women from across the automotive industry.

Cox Automotive teamed up with Fleet News and sister title AM at the beginning of January to launch the award, which recognises a woman in automotive that has shown a commitment to innovation, leadership, and community.

The judging panel met on Monday (February 18) to review all the nominations, and has now announced a shortlist of six:

• Beryl Carney, brand director, JCT600
• Carrie Knox, account director, LeasePlan UK
• Clare Martin, group HR director, Jardine Motors
• Mary Dopson-Taylor, customer services director, Grosvenor Leasing
• Sam Watkins, director of sales and marketing, C Walton
• Sue Robinson, director NFDA

The shortlist was agreed by a judging panel that included Auto Trader’s Catherine Faiers, Fleet News’ Sarah Tooze, Marshall Motor Group’s Daksh Gupta, and Cox Automotive’s Martin Forbes and Alison Fisher.

Fisher said: “The Barbara Cox Award is named after a business pioneer who served as a director of Cox Enterprises – Cox Automotive’s parent company in the USA – and recognises a woman who shares the traits and accomplishments of its namesake.

“Based on the nominations we received, it’s clear there are some great role models for women seeking a career in our industry, and I’m delighted to announce such an impressive shortlist.

“I’d like to congratulate all six of the women that have reached the shortlist, and very much look forward to seeing the winner announced on International Women’s Day on the 8th March.”

The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Award is part of Cox Automotive’s Women with Drive programme, which aims to inspire women to reach their career goals within the automotive industry.

The winner will receive £5,000 to spend on personal development, and will be invited to be part of the Women with Drive programme over the next twelve months.

For more information about Women with Drive, click here.