Linda Jackson takes top honour

Autocar has named Linda Jackson, Citroën global CEO, the most influential British woman working in the motor industry ahead of its annual Great British Women in the Car Industry event, held in association with the SMMT.

Jackson has topped Autocar’s shortlist of the top 100 British women in the automotive, earning the accolade for the second time in three years.

With over 40 years of experience in the motor industry, this award is the latest in a long line for Jackson, whose leading role in the resurgence of the French manufacturer has won plaudits from all corners of the car sector.

Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw said, ‘Linda’s four-year tenure leading Citroën has overseen a remarkable and meteoric rise for the brand. The car industry needs more Linda Jacksons; she’s not only a role model, but an example to women wanting to work in the car industry that the sky is not the limit if you have the talent and determination.’

Receiving the overall award, as well as winning the ‘executive category’ honour, Jackson commented, ‘It’s an honour and testament to the hard work from everyone at Citroën that has helped build on what has been such a successful few years.

‘There is a huge wealth of talent in the sector and it’s a truly exciting industry to be a part of, especially as automotive is one of the most pioneering industries when it comes to future technology. I hope this Autocar award inspires even more women to pursue a career in this industry at all levels.’

Other individual category award winners include Jaguar Land Rover chief product engineer, Elizabeth Hill, who has heavily influenced the British manufacturer’s award-winning product line-up, and Helen Emsley, the Yorkshire-born design director of General Motors-owned brands GMC and Buick.