Events

Events

Catch up on our last events

A full list of events for the rest of the year will follow soon…

Barbara Cox “Woman of the Year” Award 2024

Cox Automotive’s prestigious Barbara Cox “Woman of the Year” Award 2024, honouring inspirational women in European automotive.

Last year’s winner was Sara Sloman, Chief Strategy officer at EV fintech business Paythru. Sara was one of six women shortlisted from more than 50 entries. Sara joined an impressive list of females to win the award, including Caroline Burnell, Head of Marketing & Communications at eStar Truck & Van, Alison Jones, Senior Vice-President – Global Circular Economy at Stellantis; Lorna McAtear, Fleet Manager – National Grid; and Beryl Carney, Head of VW Commercial Vehicles at JCT600 Ltd.

Named after the late Barbara Cox – a former director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s parent company in the USA – the award recognises and rewards women who demonstrate a commitment to innovation, leadership and community within the sector.
Now in its sixth year, the prize sees Cox Automotive Europe once again team up with AM and Fleet News.

 

Sam Panayides, Cox Automotive Sales Director and chair of Women with Drive, said: “Celebrating the incredible achievements of women helps all of us to grow and improve, to do even better work together. Please nominate someone you think is a great leader, a woman who gives back to her community and inspires others to do the same, just as Barbara Cox did.”

The winner will be revealed the 5th of June! Stay tuned!

 

 

 

 

Women with Drive THRIVE 2023

Women with Drive; Thrive event on Wednesday 18 October, which took place at the Collaboration Centre in Bruntingthorpe it was our first internal. Through discussions, shared experiences and connections we created an event which we hope will help and inspire women in the Automotive industry to Thrive!
 
In the morning our Sponsor Sam Panayides opened the day by talking about the importance of learning the difference between surviving, and truly thriving, and shared a personal story from my career as to have I have implemented this.
 
Angie Vaux, Founder of Women in Tech forum, then delivered a fantastic keynote speech around career growth. During the session, Angie shared some learnings which she has picked up during the course of her career to help others on their own journeys.
 
This was followed by a panel discussion hosted by Sarnjit Kaur. Angie Vaux, Svenja Keller, Marta Blázquez, Kellie Smith and Karoline Baumann joined Sarnjit to delve into the career obstacles that women face.
 
During the afternoon, there was an interactive workshop session, hosted by Jason Symes and Hannah Sibson, which focused on leveraging relationships, encouraging our attendees to make a list of people who are key to their current and future success. 
 
This was followed by Vicky Gardner hosting a panel session with a very brave group of superwomen from across the business discussing some serious topics around Women’s health and sharing their own personal stories. Thank you to Linda Isaac (Manheim Colchester) Marcia Scott, (Manheim Inspection Services) and Carolyn Shepherd (M4YM) for joining.
 
To close the event we were pleased to announce our Women with Drive; Thrive award winners, where we recognised the outstanding contributions of female employees within the organisation who have truly made their mark. 
 
Congratulations to our winners:
 

Jo Robinson, Humility Hero award

Carolyn Shepherd, Rising to Challenge award

 

Monica Sturley, Trailblazer award

 
 
 
 
 

We would also like to extend a huge congratulations to all of our shortlisted nominees, as well as anyone who received a nomination. We had over 90 nominations for these awards which is a credit to the incredible women within Cox Automotive.

Watch the highlights of the days below

“Barbara Cox “Woman of the Year” 2023

 

The Barbara Cox Woman of the Year 2023 was Sara Sloman, Chief Strategy Officer at EV fintech business Paythru and Director of The EV Café.

 

She received the prestigious award at our ‘Women with Drive’ event, which was held on 8th March to celebrate International Women’s Day.

 

Commenting on her win, Sara said: “I’m overwhelmed to have won this award and promise here and now to pay it forwards and use the profile this brings to continue to embrace equity for women in the automotive sector. To be a part of this process has been inspiring. While on one hand it’s been about celebrating individuals, on the other, it’s been about collaboration and recognising the opportunity we have. It’s given us all an opportunity to take stock of what we’ve achieved and to create new connections. The six finalists have today pledged to work together and push forward as a group and I can’t wait to see what comes next!”

 

Sara was one of six women shortlisted from over 50 entries by a judging panel which included previous winners Caroline Burnell and Lorna McAtear. 

 

Kate Ruberry-Shoemack, Head of People & Communication at Rygor Commercials and Erin Baker, Editorial Director at Auto Trader were also presented a Highly Commended award. Also shortlisted for the award were: Mariam Aslam-Digger, Commercial Director at Rhino Group; Kate Howdon, Head of HR for eStar Truck & Van; and Dal Dosanjh, Head of Marketing Communications at epyx.

 

If you missed the event, you can watch below