Leaders working across dealership operations, customer experience, compliance, technology and workplace culture will share their expertise at Automotive Management Live on November 11.
Expert women from dealer groups, industry organisations and suppliers will contribute across the show’s strategy, operations and technology programme, as well as a dedicated session on building a better workplace culture.
Tim Rose, Automotive Management editor, said: “Automotive Management Live, which is supported by our premium sponsor Autoflows, brings together people with practical experience of the decisions motor retailers face every day.
“The women highlighted here work across dealerships, industry bodies and suppliers, and their expertise belongs throughout the expert content we have available for delegates to explore at the show.
“Industry events should make that breadth of talent visible.”
The session ‘How modern motor retailers build a better workplace culture’ will bring together Kate Ruberry-Shoemack, people and culture director at Rygor Group; Clare Freemantle, founder of Clarity Automotive; Rose Butterworth, chief financial officer at the IMI; and Kate Clay, HR director at eStar Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van.
They will discuss how franchised and independent dealers can attract and retain talented people, support employees and move beyond outdated approaches to leadership. The session will also examine the links between workplace culture, performance and customer experience.
Clay is one of four founding members of Automotive Management’s Championing Women in Dealerships executive board who will be speaking at the show. Fellow board members Katie Martin, customer experience director at Group 1; Nahide Crisp, sales and marketing director at Hills Motor Group; and Jayne Halton, group head of business development at Chapelhouse Motor Group, will also share their expertise across the programme.
NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson, winner of AM’s Business Leader of the Year Award, will also be at the exhibition along with colleagues from the trade association, which is an event partner.
Other dealer group speakers include Su Mawdsley, Chapelhouse’s group head of compliance and customer experience. Industry perspectives will come from Dr Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EVA England; Michelle Breffitt, co-founder of Women Drive Electric; and Rachel Clift, chief executive of Ben.
Supplier leaders taking part include Bex Kennett, head of new car performance at Autotrader; Carol Fairchild, chief operating officer at CitNOW Group; Kerry Thompson, chief executive of Akeno; and Charlotte Murray, director of marketing delivery.
Rose said: “This year, as AM has launched our Championing Women In Dealerships initiative, I’m delighted that so many of the talented women in our industry are sharing their expertise at Automotive Management Live.
“They are there to share what they know and bring their perspectives to the challenges motor retailers are tackling now.”
Championing Women in Dealerships is AM’s free network for women in management roles at franchised and independent motor retailers. AM has launched it with the backing of launch sponsor Assurant.
Members can connect with peers, share experiences and discuss the challenges they encounter in their careers. Its first event takes place on October 15 at Horwood House near Milton Keynes.