Fourteen Ford Colleagues Honoured at Autocar Great Women Awards

Apr 17, 2026

DUNTON, UK – The British automotive industry gathered yesterday at the Stellantis UK headquarters to celebrate the most influential women in the sector, and 14 Ford colleagues were honoured for their leadership, innovation, and commitment to the industry.

The day’s top honour was awarded to Lisa Brankin, Chair Ford Britian and Ireland. Lisa was named the Overall Winner and received a historic induction into the Hall of Fame. This accolade recognises her career-long dedication to the automotive world and her pivotal role in navigating Ford through a transformative era of electrification and growth.

The recognition for Ford extended across several specialised categories, highlighting the depth of talent within the company’s ranks. Dagenham Engine Plant Manager Wendy Graham took home the award for the Manufacturing category, while Nicola Walker, Governmental Affairs Director, Europe, was recognized as the winner in Government Affairs, and Emma Bergg, Director, Electric Vehicle Communications, was nominated in PR and Comms.

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Lisa Brankin, Chair Ford Britain and Ireland
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Wendy Graham, Dagenham Engine Plant Manager
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Nicola Walker, Governmental Affairs Director, Europe
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Emma Bergg, Director, Electric Vehicle Communications
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Mandy Dean, CV Director, Sales
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Cathy O’Callaghan, Ford Credit CEO
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Sarah Brettle, Director of Ford of Britain's Customer Service Division
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Sarah Haslam, Assistant Vehicle Line Director, Ford Otosan
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Usha Raghavachari, Executive Design Director, Human Centred Design Team
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Sophie Gracia-Thomas, Apprentice category
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Holly Liggitt, Apprentice category
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Holly Bezant, Technical Expert in Ford PRO SVE
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Charu Srivastava, IT Degree Apprentice (Solution Architect)
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Grace Northwood, IT Degree Apprentice (Software Engineer)

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The "Top 100" list, which identifies the most influential women in the British car industry, featured a strong contingent of Ford leaders. Mandy Dean (CV Director, Sales), Cathy O’Callaghan (Ford Credit CEO), Sarah Brettle (Director of Ford of Britain's Customer Service Division), Sarah Haslam (Assistant Vehicle Line Director, Ford Otosan), Usha Raghavachari (Executive Design Director, Human Centred Design Team) and Holly Bezant (Technical Expert, Ford Pro SVE) were all named on the elite list.

Also securing a place in the “Top 100” list, were Sophie Gracia-Thomas, Charu Srivastava, Grace Northwood and Holly Liggitt who were celebrated in the Apprentice category. Their recognition underscores Ford's successful efforts in fostering young talent and providing a clear path for the next generation of female leaders.

“It is an honour to be listed in the top 100 which recognises so many amazing women in the industry,” said Holly, who is a Dunton-based Program Management apprentice. “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.”

The ceremony, which ran from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, was hosted at Stellantis’s Coventry headquarters. Beyond the awards, the event served as a high-level summit for the industry, featuring keynote talks from special guests and prominent industry leaders. Attendees also engaged in networking sessions, allowing counterparts from across the UK automotive landscape to share insights and discuss the future of mobility.

Among them was Ford apprentice Charlotte Gill who was honoured at Autocar Drivers of Change New Talent Awards last November. Charlotte, a higher engineering apprentice based at Dunton, was part of a panel called Future Leaders at the award ceremony.