BMW Group UK is celebrating an impressive showing at the 2025 Autocar Great Women: Rising Stars Awards, with ten women recognised across a spectrum of disciplines – a testament to the company’s ongoing commitment to nurturing exceptional female talent in the automotive industry.
Held in partnership with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the prestigious awards recognise emerging leaders who are shaping the future of the sector. Now in its ninth year, the Rising Stars programme continues to spotlight remarkable individuals from across manufacturing, finance, operations, and more.
Spotlight on Sophie Rowe
Among this year’s honourees, Sophie Rowe, BMW UK’s Golf Events Manager, took the top honour in the Events category for her pivotal role in reinvigorating BMW’s golf sponsorship and engagement strategy. Since assuming leadership of the golf portfolio in 2023, Rowe has delivered a standout performance – most notably overseeing the 20th anniversary of BMW’s title sponsorship at the PGA Championship, and reviving the amateur Golf Cup series with participation from 96% of BMW’s UK retailer network.
Rowe’s background includes high-profile roles in the London 2012 Olympic Games and the Rugby World Cup, experiences that judges credited with shaping her strategic mindset and capacity for stakeholder engagement. Her work has not only elevated BMW’s presence in elite sport but also reinforced the brand’s commitment to immersive customer experiences.
Speaking from maternity leave, Rowe reflected on the recognition:
“I’m delighted to be recognised in the Events category at this year’s Autocar Rising Stars awards. 2024 was a milestone year for BMW’s golf programme, celebrating 20 years of title sponsorship at the BMW PGA Championship and successfully reviving our amateur Golf Cup series. While currently on maternity leave and enjoying time with my young family, I’m incredibly grateful to my managers and BMW UK for their continued support – and I look forward to returning to a business that continues to challenge and inspire me.”
A Broad Spectrum of Recognition
Rowe’s success headlines a broader achievement for BMW Group UK, with nine other women also honoured. Spanning roles in Marketing, Sales, Operations, Talent and Apprenticeships, the winners hail from across the Group’s UK entities – including BMW Financial Services, Alphabet, and the National Sales Company.
Each recipient was selected by an expert panel of judges for demonstrating exceptional performance, leadership potential, and a clear trajectory toward future industry impact. Two BMW Group apprentices were among those recognised in the dedicated apprentice category, underscoring the company’s robust pipeline of early-career talent.
Championing the Future
The awards were announced on 30 April at HORIBA MIRA in Warwickshire, where industry leaders gathered to honour the next generation of female automotive talent. The event included keynote speeches and category presentations, serving as both a celebration and a call to action for greater gender equity and recognition across the sector.
BMW Group UK’s showing at the 2025 Autocar Rising Stars Awards reflects a wider cultural shift within the brand – one that places innovation, inclusivity and leadership development at the heart of its business strategy. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the spotlight on these ten remarkable women signals that the road ahead is being driven by talent as diverse as it is determined.
