Julia Muir wins Sue Brownson Award at IMI Dinner

Significant breakthroughs in moving the dial on female leadership representation recognised with IMI Award

Julia Muir, founder and Chief Executive of the Automotive 30% Club received the Sue Brownson Award at last night’s IMI Dinner, in recognition of the significant strides she’s achieved in increasing female leadership representation in the industry

Established in 2016, the Automotive 30% Club is a voluntary group of 60 MDs and CEOs from automotive manufacturing, retailing and supplier companies. The club was founded by Julia Muir, CEO of Gaia Innovation Ltd, with the purpose of achieving a better gender balance within the automotive industry, and with the aim of filling at least 30% of key leadership positions in the member organisations with women by 2030.

Commenting on receiving the Sue Brownson Award, Julia Muir said: “I’m very honoured to receive this award from the IMI for building this growing network of inclusive automotive leaders. It’s particularly meaningful to me that the award is named after the late Sue Brownson OBE, a pioneering woman who contributed so much to the motor industry, and was a leadership role model for many others. I would like to thank Steve Nash of the IMI for being one of the first members of the Automotive 30% Club, and I would like to take this opportunity to recognise all of the members for the real action they are taking to drive positive inclusive change both within their organisations and through collaboration across the sector, to ensure that women will thrive and fulfil their potential.”

Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI added: “The Institute of the Motor Industry is very clear on the critical role greater diversity and equality in the automotive sector has in tackling the chronic skills gap we currently face. And the disparity in female representation at a senior level is an issue that needs particular attention.

“Julia Muir’s work has already gained significant ground with many of the leading automotive employers now members of the Automotive 30% Club. We, therefore, felt it was right to recognise the huge commitment she has made personally by giving her the 2022 Sue Brownson Award.”