Winners 2025

In a pivotal role, Heather Fitch has distinguished herself while managing the prestigious W1 project, coordinating across all departments and seniority levels to ensure seamless project execution. Before her current position, she excelled as product manager for McLaren Special Operations, where she was involved in developing bespoke options across multiple models and creating launch show cars for the Artura and 765LT. Her exceptional leadership navigated the W1 project, which included challenging targets and three different design directors, through to its launch without any delays. "Heather has been central to this and managed this so well," according to her manager, who believes Fitch has demonstrated capabilities beyond her current role and will continue making significant contributions to McLaren's future.

Lesha Summers has transformed the vehicle testing company's events strategy since taking on her current role in May 2023. With a background in fashion and textiles, she has applied her creative expertise to elevate Horiba MIRA’s industry presence through strategic event planning and flawless execution. Her exceptional leadership was showcased during the high-profile Truck Safe launch for Euro NCAP, where she managed a complex event that grew from 65 attendees to more than 120 while maintaining impeccable standards. "We're not just happy – we're [ITALS]really[ITALS] happy," said Matthew Avery, director of research at Euro NCAP member Thatcham. Working across physical and virtual platforms, Summers negotiates preferential involvement in key industry events and manages all aspects from budget planning to supplier coordination.

Comprehensive automotive expertise developed across multiple roles, starting at Vauxhall in 2011, has helped Zoe Peacock to stand out in the marketing category. In an impressive career trajectory, Peacock has progressed through 11 positions in just 13 years, culminating in her current leadership role of overseeing all Peugeot brand marketing activities. Since January 2024, she has revitalised the brand's approach by developing strategic partnerships with Attitude and Saatchi Gallery, implementing a new social media strategy and executing retailer tours for the new 3008 and 5008 models. Previously recognised for delivering the 'gold standard' Mokka launch at Vauxhall, Peacock was recently honoured by Autocar as a Driver of Change for her work championing inclusivity and supporting the LGBTQ+ community. "Zoe is recognised across the business as a future star," said marketing director Maxime Bailly.

Emily Booth has progressed from university intern to managing full product life cycle responsibilities for two premium brands by the age of 27. She began her BMW career in 2017 and quickly demonstrated her capabilities through pioneering digital brochure strategies and website redesigns before advancing to the sales department as retailer performance centre manager – a role in which she guided BMW Westerly Exeter to Retailer of the Year status. Since 2023, Booth has expertly managed 26 vehicle launches across both brands while steering the crucial transition to Mini's direct selling model for 2025. Her innovative approach extends to governmental relations, where she has successfully advocated for BMW/Mini with Irish authorities on PHEV and road taxation policies, resulting in streamlined technical data approval and registration processes. "Emily's energy, focus on the important topics and strategic clarity has been pivotal," said her manager.

After moving from a customer-facing role at Mercedes-Benz to product management, Danielle O’Brien has quickly established herself as an automotive rising star. She started her career as a track host at Mercedes-Benz World in 2013 and progressed through several positions before joining Kia UK in 2023, where she now manages several key models, including the EV3, Sportage and Sorento. Her comprehensive approach to product launches has earned her the prestigious Kia Europe Inspiration Award, which is presented by Kia UK CEO Paul Philpott and for which contenders are nominated anonymously by colleagues across the organisation. In addition to her technical responsibilities of submitting data to the Motor Vehicle Registration Information System (MVRIS) and Thatcham, analysing competitiveness and coordinating cross-functional teams, O’Brien has taken the initiative to organise the first-ever internal employee launch event for the EV3 and develop training materials on in-car technologies for colleagues. "She has helped change the internal reputation of the Kia UK product team," said her manager.

Evie Kalo’s broad experience, gained in previous roles such as BMW during the i3 launch, Chargemaster and Shell Recharge, helped her to bring valuable knowledge to home charger brand Andersen EV. With her guidance, the company achieved 35% sales growth in 2024 and her digital marketing initiatives helped to drive a 78% increase in paid media sales. Her strategic vision extended to securing VIP video testimonials that significantly elevated brand credibility. An EVIE Rising Star Award winner in 2023, Kalo simultaneously founded Zipster, a sustainable baby clothing brand. "Her vision, creativity and dedication have not only driven growth but have also laid a solid foundation for sustained success," said CEO David Martell.

Beth Aynsley has made her mark through her strategic leadership at the dealer group. Beginning as a content marketing executive in 2019 after earning a degree in English, she has rapidly progressed to manage a team of 10. Her award-winning campaigns include the 'Then, Now, Always' celebration of Bristol Street Motors' centenary, which created a heartwarming moment when a customer was reunited with his grandfather's Vauxhall Cadet from the TV ad – a story that was featured on ITV News. Under her guidance, Vertu Motors won Motor Trader's Best Social Media Award in 2022 and 2023, while her 'Typical Women Drivers' campaign challenged stereotypes by showcasing female racing drivers and professionals. "Beth's strategic vision and dedication have significantly enhanced our brand's presence," said Liz Cope, Vertu head of marketing. Cope also praised Aynsley’s reorganisation of the team to optimise performance across all channels.