COX Automotive Australia has opened nominations for the second annual Barbara Cox Award, designed to raise the profile of women who are contributing to the multifaceted automotive industry, and to recognise their achievements.

Encouraging diversity and improving women’s representation in a sector that has long been male dominated is a continual focus for Cox Automotive, the world’s largest automotive services organisation, and its Australian operation.

Nominations are open until December 15, 2023, with the award and accompanying $5000 prize earmarked for personal development, to be handed out during the week commencing March 4, 2024 – coinciding with International Women’s Day.

Winner of the previous, inaugural Barbara Cox Award in Australia was Eleni Mitakos, founder of Galmatic, an organisation that has been running car maintenance workshops and school incursions for girls since 2007.

Automotive: Cox Automotive Australia has opened nominations for women in the auto sector to be considered for the second annual Barbara Cox Award.

Ms Mitakos was chosen by a Cox Automotive Australia panel from a field of more than 25 entrants, with fellow shortlisted contenders including Honda Australia director Carolyn McMahon, Mycar Australia state manager Sandy Cokara, and heavy vehicle mechanic Tayla McIlwain.

This award’s namesake, the late Barbara Cox, served as director of Cox Enterprises, Cox Automotive’s parent company in the United States, and was therefore herself a person of influence in the automotive sector.

Cox said it was proud to recognise her legacy and her significant contribution to its business.

The judging panel for the award will comprise four Cox Automotive Australia team members: head of People Solutions Silvia Balovcikova; Sales Enablement manager Olivera Tomic; Organisational Capability and Culture partner Elizabeth Lalor; and director of Strategy and Business Transformation Mathew McAuley.

Speaking on the 2024 Barbara Cox Award, Ms Balovcikova said: “At Cox Automotive Australia we are committed to improving diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“It is not only important for us to demonstrate this internally for our team members, but also across the automotive industry in Australia.

“Last year’s response to launching the Barbara Cox Award was confirmation of just how many inspiring women work within our industry and we want to continue to celebrate their success through this award and make their achievements more visible.

“Our ambition is to ensure the Barbara Cox Award is widely known and acknowledged across our industry, as a way we can all acknowledge female talent, help grow the number of women entering the sector and of course inspire future female leaders.”

We encourage anyone involved in the Australian automotive industry to nominate someone they consider worthy of recognition.

Nominations for the award can be entered HERE