Barbara Cox Awards
2025 nominees:
Lynda Ennis
Brief biography of you and your career
I stand out as a leader in the automotive industry because of my commercial achievements and innovative approach to developing people and skills.
My passion for the automotive industry began as a child, watching her father restore vintage vehicles for TV and film, the initiation of a lifelong engagement with the sector.
Starting my career with three years in hotel management in South Africa and Mauritius leading a team where 16 languages were spoken, I moved into the automotive sector with operations and national account manager roles at Inchcape and Rover Group.
I subsequently joined ING Lease and became the first woman Head of Client Services, across UK and Europe wining and maintaining new business with blue chip brands including the BBC, Panasonic and Sony during eight years with the company.
Headhunted to join Manpower, the world’s largest private recruitment employer as Sales Director, I became the first woman on the Board, leading ground breaking international accounts with her team, including the ‘talent on time’ programme for IBM and a bespoke resourcing model for BT’s call centres Globally.
I then joined the FTSE listed, global services business Xchanging, as Global Sales and Marketing Director, creating outsourced service models, including the digitisation of the insurance market and the London Metal Exchange as well as outsourced HR solutions with BAE systems.
After a period of consultancy, in 2010 I created Ennis & Co as a global automotive and mobility executive search business to challenge the status quo of recruitment businesses. One of my clients described the company as ‘providing amazing people for amazing brands’
I am an innovator with a real-world approach who enjoys the challenge of improving organisations. The values of team, automotive and energy are firmly fixed in her DNA. Throughout my career sI have invested both personal time and resources, as well as resources from Ennis & Co to support people and enable measurable change within the industry.
What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in automotive?
If you’re considering a career in the automotive industry, my advice is ‘just go for it’ with confidence and determination. The industry is evolving rapidly, with innovation in electric vehicles, sustainability, and digital technology creating diverse career paths across all areas from research and development through the supply chain to manufacturers, retailers and aftersales. Be open to exploring all areas of the business including roles and oversees assignments you may not initially be drawn to, as these experiences can open doors to unexpected opportunities and long-term growth. Don’t be discouraged by outdated perceptions, your perspective and skills are important. Find mentors, keep learning, and build a strong support network.
What advice would you give your younger self on having a successful career?
Self-awareness is fundamental to effective leadership. It’s essential to be honest with ourselves about what we’re good at and where we fall short. The best leaders are those who acknowledge their own limitations and surround themselves with people whose strengths complement their own. There’s often pressure to conform to the stereotype of the strong, infallible leader, but real strength lies in authenticity. We’ve all made mistakes in our professional lives, and it’s important to take ownership when things go wrong. The best leaders I’ve worked with weren’t perfect, they were honest, willing to grow, and invested in others.
Strive to be judged by your results. Let your achievements speak for themselves. Avoid over-promoting your success or heavily relying on your PR coverage, in the long run credibility and consistent delivery matter far more.
