Warwickshire winners in esteemed awards
Warwickshire expertise was to the fore when the county had the honour of hosting the Autocar (Haymarket)
Great Women in Automotive Awards 2025. The event, held at Horiba MIRA in Nuneaton, shone a spotlight on the most promising female talent in the UK automotive industry.
In partnership with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the event celebrated 79 exceptional women across nine diverse categories, showcasing the breadth of expertise and leadership shaping the future of mobility.
This year’s awards highlighted the achievements of women working in a wide array of roles, from logistics and manufacturing to marketing and sales, at leading companies such as BMW Group, JLR, and Renault Group UK. Each of the nine categories crowned a winner, with all nominees recognised as outstanding contributors to their fields.
The four Warwickshire winners were:
- Nash Varcas, Senior Aerodynamicist, Aston Martin Lagonda - Vehicle Development category
- Shani Roberts, Business Partner, Skills, HORIBA MIRA - Talent category
- Natalie Dowsett, Co-founder and COO, Ox Delivers - Operations category
- Loretta Dittrich, GME Logistics Director, JLR - minner Manufacturing category
Chloe Millage, Careers Service Team Manager at
Warwickshire Skills Hub and Careers Hub, said: “The Great Women in Automotive Awards 2025 was an inspiring event and it was brilliant to see four awards won by women from our county. This fully deserved recognition is testament to their skills and passion for their work and shows that it is yet another sector in which Warwickshire is truly punching its weight.”
A standout feature of the event was the Apprentice category, which honoured 32 rising stars at the beginning of their careers. This initiative reflects the industry’s commitment to nurturing talented young women and ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals for the future.
The event featured keynote speeches and panel discussions from influential figures including Sarah Windrum (Head of Cluster Development, Horiba MIRA). Nicole Melillo Shaw (Managing Director, Volvo Car UK) , Diane Miller (Director of Parts Distribution, Stellantis) , Lorraine Bishton (Managing Director, Subaru UK) and Renee Knott (Head of Project Management, Aston Martin).
The Autocar Great Women initiative continues to play a vital role in promoting gender diversity in a traditionally male-dominated industry. By celebrating the achievements of these rising stars, the event not only honours individual excellence but also encourages a more inclusive and innovative future for the automotive world.