• 17 of Ford’s female employees recognised in the Autocar Top 100 most influential and inspirational women of the automotive industry

• Manufacturing category win for Josephine Payne, Craiova Engine Plant Manager

• Purchasing category win for Sue Slaughter, Purchasing Director, Ford of Europe

The Autocar Great British Women in the Car industry event has recognised 17 Ford employees among the sector’s top 100 most influential and inspirational women. Two Ford apprentices were also highlighted for their potential.

Josephine Payne was awarded the Autocar Manufacturing category winner – given to a Ford employee for the third consecutive year. Payne, now plant manager at Ford's Craiova Engine Plant in Romania, was recognised in 2016 when she was leading the Company's global assembly and test strategy from North America. Today, Payne has responsibility for overseeing the manufacturing operation in Craiova that produces over 250,000 engines a year.

Sue Slaughter, Purchasing Director at Ford of Europe, is the winner of the purchasing category, recognised for her achievements over a 30-year career at Ford. In her current role Slaughter has responsibility for operational and strategic purchasing activities, including supplier risk management. Her prior role, before repatriating to the UK, was as Chief Operating Officer of Getrag Ford Transmissions GmbH, based in Germany.

This year also saw two of Ford’s female apprentices recognised. Melanie Morey, an advanced apprentice, and Alice Swallows, a higher apprentice, stood out for their potential for successful careers within the automotive industry. Both apprentices are committed to promoting STEM activities and work with local schools and communities to encourage STEM studies.

Andy Barratt, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford of Britain 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.”

He added: “Car companies haven’t seen so much innovation since Henry Ford invented the production line over 100-years ago. As we transition towards smart mobility, there’s truly no better or more exciting time to begin a career in our industry.”

Jane Skerry, Executive Director of HR at Ford, joined the event’s panel, offering insight into career development for women in the automotive industry and opportunities to engage with the next generation to encourage a more balanced female representation in the industry.

Jane Skerry said: “Diversity at all levels of an organisation is proven to add value, and Ford continues to work hard to encourage more young females into STEM studies and the automotive industry. All the women recognised today are role models for rewarding careers in the industry, and we hope their continuing success will inspire many more women to join them.”

Ford is committed to equal career opportunities for employees and promotes diversity at all levels of the business. Ford has progressive policies to support employees during times of personal change - such as flexible working as a carer or parent, and maternity and paternity workshops when expecting a baby.

Ford continues to support government initiatives, including the “Year of Engineering”, and provide local activities, such as Primary Engineer and “IT Girls day”, to encourage girls to consider a career in STEM.

Ford recognised Autocar 100 most influential women

Ford Initiatives For more information, please contact the press office

FoB Women in IT – IT Girls Day

International Women in Engineering Day

Greenpower Trust (Formula Goblins, Formula 24)

Formula Student UK

STEM Prize

Ford Blue Oval Scholarships