Linda Jackson, Citroen’s global chief executive, has been named as the most influential British women working in the motor industry.

Other individual category award winners include Lexus Edgware general manager Diana Mackinnon, who got the nod in the sales -retail category, Clare Martin, Jardine Motors Group HR director, for the HR category and Rachael Thompson, sales director, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK for the sales brand category (the full list of category winners is below).

The list is compiled by UK automotive consumer magazine Autocar and Jackson was named as topping the list ahead of an event at the Barbican in London celebrating women in the industry. The event is held in association with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

It’s the second time Jackson has earned the accolade in three years.

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 said: “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.”

'There is plenty of work to be done'

The Great British Women in the Car Industry’s 100-strong ‘power-list’ looks to celebrate success and encourage more women into the car industry at all levels and in all sectors, from purchasing to product development.

Tisshaw added: “While there are certainly challenges in the car industry, it’s heartening to see such a wealth of outstanding British women thriving in an array of roles and in the most senior positions.

“There is plenty of work to be done but, by highlighting the considerable impact of these women, we hope we can inspire more women into our amazing automotive world.”

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Issues of inequality are rightly in the headlines at the moment, highlighting the challenges that remain in ensuring everyone has equal treatment and equal opportunity. The motor industry has improved gradually but still has a long way to go and the women we celebrate today are often role models who have prospered in what is a highly competitive environment. We hope that in years to come, more and more women will follow in the footsteps of the top 100 and help the sector be truly representative of society and the customer base we serve.”

The event, organised by Autocar in association with the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), is backed by BMW, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Mini, Nissan and Toyota.

The full list of category winners is below:

Executive and overall winner

Linda Jackson, chief executive officer, Citroën

Design

Helen Emsley, design director, General Motors

Product Development

Elizabeth Hill, chief product engineer, Jaguar Land Rover

Communications

Fiona Pargeter, customer experience director, Jaguar Land Rover

Government Affairs

Helen Foord, head of government relations and public policy, PSA Groupe

Manufacturing

Josephine Payne, plant manager, Ford Motor Company

Purchasing

Sue Slaughter, director of purchasing, Ford of Europe

Sales - Brand

Rachael Thompson, sales director, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK

Sales - Retail

Diana Mackinnon, general manager, Lexus Edgware

Marketing

Michelle Roberts, marketing director, BMW Group UK

Human Resources

Clare Martin, group HR director, Jardine Motors Group