Winners 2025

Manufacturing 2025

Loretta Dittrich wins the manufacturing category after transforming supply chain operations across multiple organisations. Her team recently secured the Supply Chain Excellence Award for JLR's fully automated Logistics Operations Centre. With dual qualifications in German and French logistics plus an MBA, Dittrich has consistently delivered exceptional results, such as reducing inventory by up to 53% and cutting premium freight costs by 80%. Her leadership has been recognised by multiple industry awards, including the Volvo Group Supplier Logistics Excellence Award. “Loretta is a dedicated and deeply caring people leader who always goes above and beyond," said her manager.

Manufacturing 2025 nominees

Melanie Jackson, JLR

Melanie Jackson earns her place here as a product specialist in JLR Digital Industrial Operations following an impressive career journey to date, from managing engineering project sales and test facilities at Group Lotus, through various analyst roles at National Grid, to her current role at JLR. Her diverse background uniquely qualified her to establish benchmark CCTV projects and lead KD (knockdown) production projects, enabling flagship model assembly globally. With degrees in psychology and retail automotive management as well as numerous professional certifications, Jackson's cross-industry expertise delivers significant value to manufacturing operations. "Her dedication and commitment are evident in her exceptional work quality," said her manager.

Lourdes Cano Ramirez, JLR

Lourdes Cano Ramirez has forged an impressive international career that spans Renault, Ford and multiple roles at JLR. Her exceptional academic background includes an MBA and MSc in powertrain engineering as well as degrees in aeronautical and biomedical engineering and she has consistently delivered outstanding results across manufacturing operations. Following her work as an aerodynamic powertrain engineer at Renault and programme management roles, she has transformed JLR's machining operations and improved performance by 10% through innovative data systems, according to her nomination. "Lourdes is a great people leader and team player," said her manager, who also highlighted her commitment to mentoring and diversity networks.

Teslime Arikan, JLR

Teslime Arikan makes the 2025 Rising Star list after an impressive 30-year career spanning multiple sectors. Beginning as a project automation engineer in 1995, she progressed through quality management at Siemens before joining automotive manufacturing in 2000. Her journey through test strategies, advanced manufacturing engineering, and powertrain R&D has brought her to her current cybersecurity leadership role at JLR. With an MBA focused on electrical engineering and Six Sigma expertise, she has been praised for rebuilding team cultures and championing women in engineering. Her networking events have significantly increased female visibility in manufacturing and draw inspiration from her own journey from Turkey to the UK at the age of 43.

Kelly Marie Whitlock, JLR

A remarkable rise through the ranks at JLR has brought Kelly Marie Whitlock recognition here in the manufacturing category. Starting as a production associate in 2012, she progressed steadily to her current role as manufacturing production specialist, demonstrating exceptional leadership in a male-dominated environment. Her initiatives have significantly improved workplace culture, particularly her Movember campaign, which raised £3200 while addressing men's health concerns identified in employee surveys. "Kelly is the glue to our team and stands up to any challenge with integrity, dignity and respect," according to her manager. Her people-focused approach and commitment to standardisation exemplify her talents as she aspires to production management.

Elizabeth Olley, Ford

Elizabeth Olley shines in the manufacturing category after a remarkable journey from apprentice to process engineer at Ford Dagenham. Following her GCSEs in 2017, she completed an electromechanical apprenticeship before joining the Ventilator Challenge UK as a group leader during the pandemic. Her career progressed through battery repurposing, vehicle restoration and finally to her current role of overseeing Lion and Tiger engine components. Named Autocar Rising Star Apprentice 2021, Olley has since implemented critical process improvements, including new camera systems and upgraded gauging strategies. "Elizabeth is a key role model for those around her," noted her manager, who also praised her adaptability and eagerness to develop herself and others.

Evangeline Jose, Aston Martin

Evangeline Jose impressed with her swift progression from industrial placement to graduate engineer at Aston Martin. After earning a first-class degree in automotive and transport design from Coventry University, she completed a placement in manufacturing engineering before securing her current graduate role in 2024. Her initiatives include designing custom jigs for turbo duct fitment and creating cost-effective container systems for painted graphics parts. Her design work for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle for Arctic climates showcased her technical creativity and was picked up by media outlets. "Evangeline has continually impressed me with her professional outlook, diligence and attention to detail," her manager wrote in her nomination, highlighting her natural talent for influencing others.

Whitley Chouhan, Aston Martin

Impressive performances since 2016 in successive roles at Aston Martin have secured Whitley Chouhan a place here. Starting as a new model launch containment coordinator, she advanced to procurement programme coordinator for the DBX SUV and then senior coordinator before taking on her current role. She has developed innovative solutions, including a vehicle cost tracking tool for the Valhalla hypercar programme that provides real-time cost visibility. Her early identification of significant risks flagged up potential issues. "Whitley is one of the most talented procurement professionals I have ever worked with in 20 years in this industry," said her director, praising her creative, solution-focused approach that puts business interests at the heart of her decision-making.

Caroline Brooks, Artifex

Caroline Brooks stands out for her impressive progression through diverse procurement roles since 2005. Starting at Wolseley's retail parts centre, she gained international experience with Bechtel Oil Gas and Chemicals before joining Jaguar Land Rover in 2012. Her career advanced from senior buyer to operations manager and senior procurement manager before her current executive director role at automotive interior specialist Artifex. She holds an MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) qualification alongside both MSc and BSc degrees in procurement and business disciplines. Her coaching initiatives led teams through negotiation camps that have managed to offset major price claims during recent market volatility. "Caroline is a team player who sets clear expectations and retains a calm exterior," wrote the company’s chief financial officer in her nomination.