Autocar names top 100 British women working in the car industry

Autocar has revealed the 100 most influential and inspirational women working in the car industry, with the list topped by Citroën CEO Linda Jackson.

The list was compiled by judges from Autocar and the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The full list can be viewed here.

Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw said: “Linda’s four-year tenure leading Citroën has overseen a remarkable and meteoric rise for the brand. The car industry needs more Linda Jacksons; she’s not only a role model, but an example to women wanting to work in the car industry that the sky is not the limit if you have the talent and determination.”

Receiving the overall award, as well as winning the executive category honour, Jackson said: “It’s an honour and testament to the hard work from everyone at Citroën that has helped build on what has been such a successful few years. 

“There is a huge wealth of talent in the sector and it’s a truly exciting industry to be a part of, especially as automotive is one of the most pioneering industries when it comes to future technology. I hope this Autocar award inspires even more women to pursue a career in this industry at all levels.”

Read more: Steve Cropley shadows Linda Jackson for the day

Other individual category award winners include Jaguar Land Rover chief product engineer Elizabeth Hill, who has heavily influenced the British manufacturer’s award-winning product line-up, and Helen Emsley, the Yorkshire-born design director of General Motors-owned brands GMC and Buick.

The Great British Women in the Car Industry’s 100-strong ‘power-list’ looks to celebrate success and encourage more women into the car industry at all levels and in all sectors, from purchasing to product development.

Tisshaw added: “While there are certainly challenges in the car industry, it’s heartening to see such a wealth of outstanding British women thriving in an array of roles and in the most senior positions.

“There is plenty of work to be done but, by highlighting the considerable impact of these women, we hope we can inspire more women into our amazing automotive world.”

SMMT CEO Mike Hawes said: “We are delighted to be involved with this fantastic event again this year, celebrating the many achievements of the top 100 British women in the car industry. Issues of inequality are rightly in the headlines at the moment, highlighting the challenges that remain in ensuring everyone has equal treatment and equal opportunity.

"The motor industry has improved gradually but still has a long way to go and the women we celebrate today are often role models who have prospered in what is a highly competitive environment. We hope that in years to come, more and more women will follow in the footsteps of the top 100 and help the sector be truly representative of society and the customer base we serve.”