The Autocar Great British Women in the Car industry event featured 17 Ford employees among the sector’s top-100 most influential and inspirational women (and two Ford apprentices were also highlighted for their potential).
Josephine Payne was the winner of the Manufacturing category. Now manager of Ford’s Craiova engine plant in Romania, which produces over 250,000 engines a year, Ms Payne was also recognised in 2016, when she was leading the company’s global assembly and test strategy from North America.
Sue Slaughter, purchasing director at Ford of Europe, was the winner of the Purchasing category, recognised for her achievements over a 30-year career at Ford.
In her current role, Ms Slaughter has responsibility for operational and strategic purchasing activities, including supplier risk management. She was previously chief operating officer of Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH in Germany.
The two Ford apprentices recognised for their potential were Melanie Morey, an advanced apprentice, and Alice Swallows, a higher apprentice. Both are committed to promoting STEM activities and working with local schools and communities to encourage STEM studies.
Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director of Ford of Britain (
www.ford.com), said: “It’s excellent news that so many female Ford employees have been recognised.
“Women continue to be under-represented, and influential women like these are key in our mission to show that the automotive industry has great career opportunities for women.”