Recently, I had the privilege of joining my colleagues at the Autocar Great Women awards. Seeing eight of our team members honoured for their leadership and innovation was a powerful reminder that our success is a collective effort. It’s a moment to celebrate the incredible depth of talent driving our company through this transformative era.
I am immensely proud to shine a light on the achievements of my colleagues. Their recognition spanned the entire business, from our manufacturing floors to our government relations and our rising apprentices.
The recognition continued with five of our senior leaders being named to the influential “Top 100” list.
What makes me especially proud is seeing the next generation of leaders emerge. Sophie Gracia-Thomas, Charlotte Gill, Grace Northwood, Charu Srivastava and Holly Liggitt were all celebrated in the Apprentice category and secured a place on the “Top 100” list.
Success like this requires a culture that encourages diverse thinking. To tackle the challenges of electrification and new technologies, we need people who are curious, resilient, and prepared to think broadly. Seeing our team members recognised — from our most senior leaders to our newest apprentices — proves we are fostering those exact qualities.
As for my award, I was obviously really pleased to be named overall winner, but none of us do what we do alone — so the award is a testament to the great team of people I work with every day.
Nicola Walker
“I feel immensely grateful to be surrounded by incredibly sharp, hugely capable female leaders, and it is lovely to see Autocar recognising the contribution that these impressive women make to our business every day.”Nicola Walker, Director, Government Affairs
Wendy Graham
“I hope that by being a visible and successful female in manufacturing, I'm helping to pave the way for future generations.”Wendy Graham, Plant Manager at Dagenham Engine Plant
Holly Bezant
“I'm very proud to have received this award, it's heartening to be recognised for the hard work I have been doing. I feel it's very important to recognise the role of diverse perspectives in engineering and the benefits that brings, and it is a great joy of mine to help exemplify that. I hope going forward to build on my work and be even better next year.”Holly Bezant, Ford Pro Standard Value Technical Expert
Cathy O'Callaghan
“I am humbled to be recognised among so many accomplished women who have made significant contributions to the British automotive sector. It's exciting to lead in such a dynamic and impactful industry.”Cathy O'Callaghan, President and CEO, Ford Motor Credit
Sarah Brettle
“While I am driven by the work itself, I value the platform this nomination provides. I hope that seeing a diverse range of talent recognised today shows the next generation of women that there is a clear, rewarding and limitless pathway for them within this industry.”Sarah Brettle, Director, FCSD
Mandy Dean
“I love my role stewarding the market leading Ford Pro, Transit and Ranger brands in Europe. To be recognised for that externally by a company like Autocar in the Marketing Category is the icing on the cake.”Mandy Dean, Sales and Marketing Director for Ford Pro Europe
Sarah Haslam
“I am thrilled to receive this external recognition of my achievements within the automotive industry, and to be acknowledged in this way makes me very proud to be an engineer at Ford Motor Company.”Sarah Haslam, Assistant Vehicle Line Director
Usha Raghavachari
“I feel so proud to have been externally recognised in this way. If 21-year-old me were here now, she would be astonished at the different continents I have lived in, the amazing roles and experiences I have had and the incredible people I get to work with everyday! Onwards!”Usha Raghavachari, Lab Director, D-Ford LDN
Emma Bergg
“The Autocar Great Women awards highlight the important role women are playing in our industry's evolution. As a communicator, my role is to make Ford relevant for a new generation of drivers and demonstrate that a long-standing brand can still pave the way. It certainly isn't dull!”Emma Bergg, Director, Electric Vehicle Communications
Holly Liggitt
“I was so excited when I found out I was up for this award and I am really glad to have been able to take part in the opportunities given to me since I started as an apprentice.”Holly Liggitt, Third-Year PD Apprentice
Sophie Gracia-Thomas
“Having previously been an intern, it feels very surreal to have been considered for this award. I'm incredibly grateful for all of the opportunities and support I've had so far during my time at Ford.”Sophie Gracia-Thomas, Second-Year PD Higher Apprentice
Charlotte Gill
“I was extremely honoured to be invited back to the Autocar Great Women Awards 2026 to speak on their 'Rising Stars - Future Leaders' panel. It was a great experience being able to speak in front of a room of such inspirational women and be a brand ambassador for a company that I truly enjoy working for.”Charlotte Gill, Third-Year Product Development Degree Apprentice
Grace Northwood
“Receiving this recognition marks a significant milestone in my journey. It comes at a time when I feel fully immersed in my work and confident in the value I bring to the team. It is an amazing feeling to have the hard work and growth that led me here validated in such a public way.”Grace Northwood, Software Engineer
Charu Srivastava
“The incredible support and mentorship I've received throughout my journey have empowered me to grow and succeed. As I approach the completion of my degree and apprenticeship, this award gives me validation of my hard work and has given me the confidence to transition into the next phase of my career.”Charu Srivastava, Fourth-Year Apprentice, IT Solutions
Lisa Brankin is the managing director of Ford Britain
