BookMyGarage is marking International Women’s Day by highlighting the six women in its senior leadership team and female representation across its garage network.
The comparison site for MOTs, servicing and repairs will mark the 115th International Women’s Day on March 8.
The UN first recognised the event in 1975, with this year’s theme ‘Give to Gain’, aimed at fostering collaboration and generosity.
Co-founder Karen Rotberg leads the business alongside co-founder Douglas Rotberg.
Rotberg previously founded Jobsite, later acquired by the Daily Mail, and entered the automotive sector in 1997.
She went on to launch several start-ups including the venture that evolved into TescoCars.com. In 2012 she co-founded TootCars, which became RACGarageCompare before rebranding as BookMyGarage.com in 2016.
Rotberg said: “I’m incredibly proud of the formidable women who lead across BookMyGarage.
“Their vision, expertise and leadership have shaped this business and continue to drive it forward. International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate their achievements, but the impact they have is felt and appreciated every single day.”
The company’s female senior leaders are Rotberg, Rochelle Davey as sales director for independents, Jessica Ruddick as chief marketing officer, Kirsty Chandler as finance and revenue operations manager, Clair Mitchell as customer success operations manager for garage services, and Helen Weir-Willats as head of B2B marketing.
Highlighting garage partners
BookMyGarage said senior women are also increasingly represented among its garage partners.
One example is Sarah Petty, co-owner of J Petty Motors in Goole, East Yorkshire, which she runs with her husband Stuart and father-in-law Keith. Partnering with BookMyGarage was one of her first managerial decisions in 2016.
Petty is an advocate for women in the motor industry and employs female staff across the business.
The garage has two female service advisors, manager Sam Dickinson and Gemma Groves, and its first female apprentice, 18-year-old Vilte Dirgelaite, who is in her first year. The business also employs part-time hospitality host Debra Rothery.
Petty said: “I have so much respect for women who forge a career in the aftermarket sector.
“The women I have come across in the industry and employ are highly professional and extremely knowledgeable.
“I am a huge advocate of giving women in the sector a voice and giving them the space to speak up.
“I hope our experiences will encourage more women, especially younger females who may still be in school or college, to consider the sector – it’s a great place to work.”