Emma Johnson wins Automotive 30% Club Inspiring Women Award
Emma Johnson, Toyota (GB) Director, Marketing, has been honoured with an Automotive 30% Club Inspiring Women award 2026. She will be presented with her award at a private Auto30Club ceremony at the IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) annual dinner and awards ceremony on 11 March.
The Auto30Club Inspiring Automotive Women Awards are given to women for services to female inclusion in the automotive industry, and to recognise and celebrate the amazing work they are doing above and beyond their day job to ensure women can thrive in the sector and be as successful as their male peers.
Johnson has brought enthusiasm and fresh thinking to Toyota since she began her career on a student placement in the company’s IT section in 2005, returning to the company after graduating from Nottingham Trent University. She is an advocate and champion of inclusivity and diversity in the auto industry and works to inspire her colleagues through coaching and mentoring.
Johnson’s career has included product marketing roles with both the Toyota and Lexus brands and management positions in sales and value chain. She was a founding member of the company’s customer experience and innovation team before taking up a digital strategy assignment at Toyota’s European headquarters in Brussels. She was appointed Director, Marketing, in February 2025.
Stuart Sanders, Executive Director, Commercial, Toyota (GB), said: “Emma is a shining example of what women can achieve in the auto industry. She demonstrates the opportunities and benefits that come from career mobility. She has successfully implemented numerous projects throughout the business and has made a huge impact by challenging the way we do business, having a relentless focus on delivering excellent customer service and encouraging others.”
Johnson said: “I’m humbled to be named among such trailblazing leaders. This award isn’t just a proud moment—it reflects the culture of inclusivity, growth, and career mobility at Toyota. Throughout my career, I’ve benefited from incredible mentors and opportunities to take on new challenges, and I’m passionate about helping others do the same.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Founded in 2016 by Julia Muir CEO of Gaia Innovation Ltd, the Automotive 30% Club is a network of over 70 automotive CEOs and MDs who are inclusive leaders increasing female representation in their organisations to reap the benefits of a gender-balanced business. They are collaborating to rise to the challenge of industry transformation, through building high performing teams and ensuring they do not exclude women. They have a KPI to benchmark against at least 30% of key leadership or decision-making roles to be filled with diverse women by 2030 through the “30 by 30” strategy.
