I’m Managing Director at Cambria Private Capital, a venture capital and advisory firm focused on automotive, mobility and emerging technologies. With over 20 years of experience in equity research, IPOs, and early-stage investing, I’ve supported some of the UK’s most successful automotive scale-ups, including Carwow and Bumper. I host the Ignite & Scale podcast, championing founder journeys and disruptive innovation. I’m also a board advisor and non-executive director across multiple growth-stage businesses in the UK and Europe, helping them scale commercially and strategically.

With over 25 years of leadership experience across customer experience, commercial operations, and technical engineering within the automotive industry, Paul brings a wealth of expertise and strategic insight to his role as Head of Aftersales at Renault Group UK. In this capacity, he collaborates closely with investors across the Renault & Dacia dealer network, driving alignment and fostering partnerships to support business development and growth initiatives.

Paul’s career spans several prominent OEM brands, including Ford and the Volkswagen Group, where he has held key positions both in the UK and Germany. His leadership is defined by a deep commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences through the development of diverse, high-performing teams.

Sureyya has 25 years’ experience in the trade association / not-for-profit sector with significant experience of managing relationships with senior stakeholders in government and at board level within the private sector. Her role as part of the senior management team at The Motor Ombudsman is to assist and advise the Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director, Bill Fennell on business engagement. She is responsible for developing the organisation through supporting the growth and retention of businesses accredited to The Motor Ombudsman.

Since the launch of the Specialist Automotive Finance (SAF) scheme in 2007, Jemma has played a key role in its development, collaborating with motor dealers and finance providers to enhance industry-wide knowledge and compliance. Her efforts have been central to ensuring that customer-facing staff in motor finance are properly trained and assessed. With the introduction of the updated FLA Lending Code in January 2025, requiring FLA members to work exclusively with SAF Approved firms, her contributions have become even more critical. Under her leadership, over 60,000 individuals have passed a SAF or equivalent test, and more than 7,000 UK firms have achieved SAF Approved status.

My career started in automotive 30 years ago after studying business and finance, and like many young people I had no specific planned direction after education. I knew unlike my sisters I wasn’t going to go to university. I wanted to get to work and be independent. I knew as passion and goal was having my own horses that I needed to find a career to achieve and support that. I started working in a dealership reception, then parts, service and managing a busy service and MOT counter in both an independent, and a franchised group. I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in, and the people I wanted to work with. Diverse, busy, vibrant, challenging and rewarding. I went into roles in sales and as a sales progressor before becoming a marketing manager for a franchised group in multiple locations. I loved it. After working in dealerships for a decade I moved to a field-based supplier role 20 years ago at HPI. As a key account manager for independents to large AM100 franchised groups, auctions and remarketers. I was promoted to National Sales Manager at cap hpi to lead a field-based team of KAM’s and am now Head of Sales for Inside Sales and Retail at cap hpi leading an office based inside sales team and field based key accounts team of 15 including 2 sales managers. I have been very fortunate to work with some fabulous colleagues, customers and with some truly inspiring characters. My team are amazing and make all the work worth every effort. The industry is an ever evolving one and I consider myself a champion of change. I am always looking forwards and I am as passionate and enthusiastic today about what I do as I was 30 years ago. I want to encourage more women to the industry and to choose a career in automotive. For me it is still also for the love of horses.

Kim Costello is Global Chief Marketing Officer at Pinewood AI, where she is leading the repositioning of the company to drive an increased focus on growth and revenue generation. Having joined the business in July 2024, Kim is responsible for overseeing global marketing strategies and customer-centric initiatives, playing a significant role in shaping the brand, product positioning and global markets expansion, including the company’s recent customerfacing rename and relaunch as Pinewood Automotive Intelligence™ (Pinewood.AI) trading under the name Pinewood Technologies PLC on the FTSE 100.

In 2023 Kim was named Automotive News Europe Rising Star of the year for Automotive Retail, has been a guest and speaker for the Financial Times and Reuters on assorted topics including generative AI (Artificial Intelligence), economic headwinds in the motor trade and customer insight.

With over 20 years in the automotive industry, I’ve grown from a car sales executive to a director. I built my career entirely with Toyota and Lexus within family-run businesses—an environment I deeply value. 

I’ve dedicated over 31 years to my family at Drive and the motor industry. With a journey shaped by hands-on experience, working my way up through the ranks with a passion for developing others through leadership and strong team culture. I’ve spent the last 16 years as Retail Operator and more recent, Group Franchise Lead for Vauxhall. I take great pride in being a female Retail Operator with Drive, they have given me every opportunity to develop my career whilst still being able to  take time to raise 3 chidlren. I believe in recognising potential, promoting from within, and creating opportunities for people to grow and succeed—just as I was given the chance to do with Drive Motor Retail Ltd.

George has spent over a decade at the forefront of the supercar world, selling the most sought-after luxury cars on the planet to celebrities, elite collectors, and high-net-worth individuals. As Partner and Sales Director at GVE London, he has personally overseen over £500 million in supercar transactions. Known for his bold approach and sharp eye for opportunity, George blends traditional motor trade expertise with the power of social media to redefine how supercars are sold. Accumulating millions of views online, he is now recognised worldwide as one of the industry’s leading supercar dealers - creating high-octane experiences for those who demand the extraordinary.

With over 20 years of experience in the motor industry, I’ve advanced from Sales Administrator to a senior leadership role, currently driving strategic growth as Group Head of Business Development.

I lead with energy, innovation, and a hands-on approach, focusing on building high-performing teams and forging strong, results-driven partnerships across our dealership network.

I’m passionate about delivering outstanding customer experiences and achieving long-term, sustainable success. I actively share forward-thinking insights on the latest automotive trends and strategies that drive business growth, and I value building meaningful connections across the industry.

For me, success is rooted in collaboration, integrity, and a shared vision that inspires action.

Dionne Hanlon is a senior editor for commercial vehicles and motorcycles in the cap-hpi valuations team. She has 20 years of experience in the automotive sector, having risen through the ranks at cap hpi over the past 12 years, firstly as an LCV database specialist on the LCV valuations team and then promoted to commercial vehicle forecast manager in 2022. cap hpi supports the entire automotive ecosystem, from OEMs to dealers and fleets, the remarketing sector, and gives consumers peace of mind with its HPI vehicle checks and valuation products.

Alex has worked in the transport sector for more than a decade. He began his career heading the automotive division at Hamerville Media Group, overseeing editorial content for magazines including Professional Motor Mechanic and Commercial Vehicle Workshop. After five years at esteemed automotive PR agency, Torque, Alex co-founded Vireo Communications with Alex Michaelides. Vireo is a B2B communications practice dedicated to the automotive, transport, and industrials sectors, specialising in helping companies navigate and effect change with strategic communications.

Amy began her career as the UK’s youngest female HGV driver, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. Following her role at the DVSA, a trip to the USA with her husband, Leigh, sparked a shared vision to transform automotive training. Together, they co-founded Pro-Tech MOT & Automotive Academy with a mission to upskill and empower individuals through inclusive, high-quality education. While Leigh oversees daily operations, Amy drives the strategic direction, guided by values of integrity, quality, and accessibility. Profoundly deaf, Amy has turned challenges into purpose, building a nationally recognised academy that advocates for neurodiverse learners and inspires future generations.

30 years’ experience in automotive finance industry, with a sales and marketing background and has worked with both captive and independent finance houses. Starting her career on the Customer Service phone bank for Ford Credit, Lisa has worked her way up to General Manager of Mazda Financial Services (MFS), following a TUPE transfer to Toyota Financial Services. Aside from leading an amazing team, growing the volume and customer book, Lisa is also a qualified Pilates and Spin instructor.

With over 20 years in motor finance, Debbie McKay is a results-driven senior executive and Commercial Director – UK at MotoNovo Finance (part of Aldermore Group). Renowned for her strategic insight and people-first leadership, she has helped shape the industry through deep partnerships and her role on the Finance & Leasing Association’s Motor Finance Committee. Debbie’s operational expertise and passion for inclusion shine through initiatives like the MotoNovo Sales Women’s Network. She brings energy, empathy, and excellence to every challenge—and is honoured to join this year’s judging panel, celebrating the women redefining the motor industry with courage, brilliance, and heart.

With almost three decades of experience in the automotive industry, Charlotte Murray has held various marketing roles with both retailers and supporting agencies. Recently appointed Managing Director at Marketing Delivery, the UK’s leading automotive marketing agency, Charlotte’s impressive career record has seen her make numerous industry keynote speaker and panel appearances, alongside award wins, both within automotive and in championing automotive marketing achievements against other retail sectors. A passionate advocate for women’s advancement in the industry, Charlotte's journey is particularly inspiring given her early discouragement from pursuing a career in automotive. Her success serves as a testament to women entering the industry that, with the right mindset and dedication, achieving one's career goals is entirely within reach.

As one of the founders and main board Directors of WSG, Steph brings over 20 years of managerial experience in the automotive sector, with a track record of building and scaling great brands, creating winning strategies and shaking up markets.

She is responsible for developing and executing WSG’s corporate strategy which has continued to underpin the company’s unprecedented growth. During her career, she has spearheaded countless - and often complex – initiatives that have exceeded operational objectives, maximised market shares and set new industry benchmarks.

A high-profile industry leader and automotive market expert with over 35 years experience spanning the UK and European automotive sectors. Having worked for both blue chip organisations and start-ups, I am adept at business leadership and digital transformation turning ideas to reality and scaling up to maximise commercial return. I also help create innovative and rewarding work environments to develop and empower engaged, productive and happy employees vital to the success of any business.

Kate is a Director on the Board of Rygor Group, a leading UK automotive company. Since joining in 2013, she has risen through key leadership roles, driving transformation in communications, employee engagement, and culture. She was pivotal in the change management of Rygor’s 2022 MBO and subsequent 2023 rebrand launch. Her initiatives, such as enhanced maternity pay, menopause training, and inclusive policies, have significantly boosted employee retention and increased female applicants to Rygor by 64%. In 2023 she was Highly Commended at the 2023 Barbara Cox Woman of the Year Awards and in 2024 joined Rygor Group’s board of directors. Kate is shortly launching a Women in Automotive booklet to share the career stories of women in the industry to inspire future generations. 

As Head of Corporate Communications at Group 1 Automotive, I’ve spent the past three years shaping how we connect with colleagues, customers and communities. I lead our internal and external communications, events, PR and crisis response, ensuring everything we say reflects who we are and where we’re going. I’m proud to work in an industry as dynamic as automotive, and I’m especially passionate about helping women thrive in it. From breaking down perceptions to amplifying authentic voices, I believe strong storytelling and clear communication are key to building a more inclusive, engaging and future-ready business.

Emma Thompson MSOE is Executive Director at the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), appointed in October 2024. With over 22 years of experience in engineering and professional bodies, she leads SOE’s business operations and professional development programmes. Emma is passionate about promoting diversity, closing the gender gap, and inspiring the next generation of engineers. She spearheads SOE’s collaboration with bodies like Women in Bus and Coach, Bus Centre of Excellence and CPT to empower women in transport engineering. A champion of innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement, Emma is committed to optimising operations, delivering CPD initiatives and advocating for women in engineering.

With a career spanning over four decades, Angela brings a wealth of expertise to the world of automotive marketing.

She kickstarted her career in the early 90s at Evans Halshaw owned software specialist, Car Fleet Control where she harnessed her skills and passion for all things automotive.

Working with both start-ups and established players Angela has worked as a consultant on projects for many well-known industry names from the AA and epyx to The National Motorcycle Museum.

Today Angela can be found working with vehicle movement specialist Engineius as they strive to raise the bar making automotive movement easier and greener.