The Institute of the Motor Industry has presented Citroen’s global chief executive Linda Jackson with the Sue Brownson Award for Outstanding Leadership in Automotive at its annual dinner.

Jackson became the fourth recipient of the award, which was created in honour of the IMI’s former President, the late Sue Brownson OBE, at the event held at the Intercontinental, in London, last night (March 7).

The accolade came as the IMI recognised key automotive figures who had delivered a valuable contribution to the automotive sector over the past 12 months.

The Sue Brownson Award started four years ago and previous recipients have been Lord March, Joe Greenwell CBE (former Chairman, Ford Europe), and Dr Ian Robertson (HonDSc, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG).

On receieving her award, Linda Jackson said: “I am honoured to have been presented with the Sue Brownson Award and would like to thank the IMI for this prestigious accolade.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the IMI on the work it does to develop professional standards across the automotive sector in the UK.

“From the support of apprenticeship programmes to its leadership of the industry during times of change, the IMI’s contribution is fundamental for the future success of the sector in Britain.”

IMI chief executive, Steve Nash, said: “I believe that Sue Brownson, after whom this award is named, would herself have truly admired Linda Jackson as a role model in general, but especially for her ground breaking achievements in demonstrating that gender should not be a barrier to the very highest attainment in our industry.

“And it is a delightful accident of coincidence that we have bestowed the award on the eve of International Women’s Day.

“Linda is a fantastic role model for young people that the retail motor industry provides fantastic opportunities, regardless of gender or background.”

Jackson began her journey in the motor industry with a holiday job at Rover and turned down a University place in order to stay within the business.

She was sponsored by Rover through her MBA at Warwick Business School, which she pursued through evening classes whilst managing group finances.

Having worked for Rover in the UK and France, Jackson was headhunted by Citroen to become finance director of its UK subsidiary in 2005.

In 2009 she moved to France as Finance Director, returning to the UK in 2010 as managing director.

Her notable success in that role led to her being called back to the Paris Head Office of Citroen in 2014 as worldwide head of the iconic French brand.

The IMI award adds to the accolades already achieved by Linda Jackson, who was named as the most influential woman in the Great British Car Industry Awards run by Autocar and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders and as the global industry’s most influential Briton in 2017 by Auto Express.

Linda Jackson’s award came at the end of an evening where a number of industry professionals were recognised. These included:

Contribution to the Motor Industry – Andy Tuberfield of Halfords Autocentres for being a tireless supporter and promoter of female apprentices and MOT testers

Contribution to the Work of the IMI – Katheryn Beaurain from Pro Align for support of the IMI SkillAuto competitions

Outstanding Individual Achievement – Paul Sewell of Chesterfield College for achieving dramatic improvements in results through a new approach to training

Key Contact – Paul Jarvis, for his dedication to building support for IMI members in the Birmingham area

Three Honorary Fellowship Awards were also given to: John Bloor of Triumph Motorcycles; Andy Goss, Jaguar Land Rover Group Sales Operations Director and Dr Ian Robertson, member of the main board of BMW AG.