Three members of Mazda UK’s senior management team have been honoured in Autocar’s Great British women in the car industry awards. A celebration of women’s role in the car industry, the Top 100 recognises the most influential British women in the global automotive business.
Run by Autocar, in association with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the top 100 are selected from the following areas of the car industry: vehicle development, manufacturing, purchasing, retail, marketing, communications, apprentices, motorsport, design and executive.
For 2018 Claire Andrews, Marketing Director; Liesa Neal, Human Resources Director and Laura Brailey, Head of Retail Operations have all been honoured in the Top 100. With 30 per cent of its senior management team women, Mazda was the first member of the UK Automotive 30% Club to achieve this mix with its senior executives.
“I’m honoured to be recognised by Autocar alongside many other talented women who inspire people across the car industry. Attracting and developing female talent into senior and inspirational roles is something our industry needs to do as we strive to better understand and meet the needs of our entire customer base”, commented Claire Andrews, Marketing Director Mazda Motors UK.
Adding, “If Autocar’s focus on Great British Women can help us communicate that female leadership is a desirable and crucial part of our business success then this can only be positive. I hope that these awards give more women the confidence and drive to make their career aspirations a reality in the automotive sector.”
In her role as Human Resources Director, Liesa Neal is responsible for the development of Mazda’s most valuable resource, its people. Commenting on the award, Liesa said “on a personal level I’m flattered to have been recognised by Autocar in their Top 100 Women Awards, but more importantly I see this as an award for everyone at Mazda UK and recognition of our inclusive culture, which helps us recruit, retain and develop people regardless of gender.”
Mazda’s Head of Retail Operations, Laura Brailey brings huge expertise in the competitive sales side of the industry and commented “I am very proud to be recognised through this accolade. Having worked at Mazda for 23 years in a wide variety of roles, I am fortunate that I have been able to progress my career in the automotive industry with a brand that focuses on supporting talent, enthusiasm and team work.”
