Meet the 2026 Women Automotive Award winners.

The winners of the 2026 Europe Awards have been revealed, celebrating the individuals and organisations making a meaningful impact across the automotive industry.

Announced live on stage at the Europe Summit in Stuttgart on 6 October, this year’s winners represent leadership, progress, advocacy and action across our industry. Congratulations to every winner, finalist and organisation recognised this year.

Explore the 2026 winners below.

🌟 People Award Categories🌟

Leadership Excellence Award

This award celebrates mid to senior leaders who champion access, opportunity, and advancement for all. They ensure diverse voices are heard, foster equitable growth, and cultivate an environment where everyone can thrive.

Nicole Schuler

Chief Human Resources Officer

MANN+HUMMEL

*WINNER* Melinda Topolcsik

MD, Factory Director & President

Bridgestone Tatabánya Manufacturing Ltd.

Loretta Dittrich

GME Logistics Director

JLR

Veronica Lehr

Lead Autonomous Driving Systems

Volkswagen AG

Gemma Benbow

Director, People & Organisation

KIA UK Limited

Marion David

SVP Program Planning

Stellantis

Inspirational Role Model Award

This award recognises a woman in the automotive industry who inspires others through exceptional leadership, integrity, and support. They serve as a role model, mentoring and empowering colleagues to succeed while driving positive change within the automotive industry.

Laura Kronen

Partner

Berylls by AlixPartners

Stefanie Schieber

Industry Leader Automotive

Google

Barbara Laguardia

European Talent Management Partner

LKQ Europe

Karoline Kalt

Vice President, BD & Strategy

Schaeffler AG & Co KG

*WINNER* Susana Remacha Andrés

Plant Manager, Stellantis Zaragoza

Stellantis

Ilse de la Cruz Gómez

Senior Global Expert - Risk Management & Regulatory Assurance

Robert Bosch GmbH

Rising Star Award

This award honours a dynamic early-career professional (aged 35 or younger) who is already making a significant impact within their organization and the wider industry. They demonstrate ambition, innovation, and a passion for creating positive change.

Friederike Philipsenburg

Chief of Staff

Ford Motor Company

Andrea Lazcano

Senior Engineer, Vehicle Performance Research & Development

Toyota Motor Europe

Elena Vasciminno

Head of Marketing, Leapmotor UK

Stellantis UK

* WINNER* Lucy Ozturk

Process Engineer

Nissan Manufacturing UK (NMUK)

Mirela Geanina Haida

Director — Value Stream Manager

Robert Bosch (Romania)

Elvira Vella-Herrera

CEO Communications Representative

Hyundai Motor Europe

Champion of the Year Award

This award recognises an individual who champions the advancement of women in the automotive industry, making a substantial, sustained difference through concrete actions. Sponsoring careers, opening doors, calling out inequity, funding programmes, they have moved beyond words into measurable change.

*WINNER* Guillaume Jacques

VP Purchasing

Toyota Motor Europe

Ian Plummer

Chief Customer Officer

Autotrader UK

Pav C Suriyanarayanan

Automotive Ecosystem Manager

Synopsys

GMD Stamping

Nextlane

Haig Partners

Mentor of the Year Award

This award recognizes someone who consistently demonstrates the importance of mentoring by dedicating time to support mentees over the year. They significantly impact their mentees' personal and professional development, fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

*WINNER* Patrycja Matusz-Zagozdon

CVS Head of Transformation Management Office

ZF Group (ZF CV Systems Poland)

Amisha Mehta

Managing Director

Open Dealer Exchange

Padmini S Navalgund

Product Compliance Officer

Bosch Global Software Technologies

Rachel Brown

Manager

Nissan

Ruchi Kaushal

Global Account Director

Castrol

Oxana Grishina

Strategy and Transformation Partner

Vitra Consulting Services

Looking to attend the Europe Summit & Awards? One ticket for both.

BOOK YOUR SEAT

🏆 Company Award Categories 🏆

Employer of Choice Award

This award recognises the organisation that has made itself the standout place for women to build a career in the automotive industry. The winning organisation demonstrates measurable progress across the full employee journey, from attracting and developing talent, to retaining and advancing women into leadership roles.

*WINNER* Renault Group

GMD STAMPING / DSBJ GROUP

Outstanding Employee Resource Group of the Year Award

This award celebrates an employee-led group that drives engagement, supports personal and professional development, and contributes to a workplace where all employees feel valued and able to thrive.