IAW Awards 2026

Gemma Benbow, the Inspiring Automotive Woman of the Year has made an incredible impact at Kia UK, where, as the first and only female director she is not only driving change, but also being the change. She is a transformative leader whose strategic vision and unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion has reshaped the culture of the organisation. She exemplifies the spirit of this award and is a truly inspiring Automotive Woman.

Congratulations to Gemma and all our IAW Award winners of 2026!

Full details about Gemma Benbow’s award

Aliscia Burrows – Diversity and Inclusion Manager, TrustFord
Alyx Gregory – Head of Commercial Operations and Leasing, Carwow
Charnjit Saranna – Co Founder and Chief Operations Officer, EZOO
Clare Bradley – Commercial Director Motor, Close Brothers Motor Finance
Emma Johnson – Director Marketing, Toyota (GB) Plc
Gemma Benbow – People and Organisation Director, Kia UK
Gemma Tomlinson-Reynolds – Head of Retail Change, Implementation and Communication, Halfords
Georgia Spybey – Panel Technician, Solus
Hannah Yates – Head of Resourcing, Autotrader
Harriet Glover – Regional Director, Motus Commercials DAF
Heidi Physick – Chief People Officer, Oodle Car Finance
Holly Tuffnell – TPS Regional Performance Manager, VW Group UK
Katie Martin – Customer Experience Director, Group 1 Automotive
Kayleigh Smithers – Group HR Director, Johnsons Cars Ltd and Brayleys Cars Ltd
Lisa Jay – Range Rover Programme Chief, JLR
Lorraine Dodd – ISIT Director, Renault UK
Lottie Roberts – Operations Director, Direct Affinity CX
Mandisa Gordon – Finance Business Change Manager, JLR
Sarah Greaves – Director of Commercial Finance, Lithia UK
Sarah Sillars OBE HonFIMI – C-Suite and Board Advisor
Sian Hall – UK People Director, Lithia UK
Vicky Clarke – Head of Rental Operations ,Zenith Vehicles
Vicky Gardner – Retail Group Sales Director, Cox Automotive
Vikki Chauntry-Brooks – CMA General Manager, Vertu Motors