Emma Nairn

For me, leadership is about understanding your people, supporting them, and helping them grow in confidence. So to be recognised in this way means a huge amount to me, and I'm incredibly proud of the leader I've become and the impact I've made.

Emma Nairn has spent more than twelve years at Cox Automotive building something that doesn't appear on any job description: a team culture where people feel genuinely known.

Now leading a specialist escalation team handling the most complex complaints across Manheim Vehicle Services and Manheim Auction Services, Emma responds to that pressure by investing deeply in the individuals around her. Her daily "What's your number?" check-in creates space for honesty before the day begins. The feedback she values most is simple: "You know me so well."

A trained Mental Health First Aider and Co-Chair of Cox Automotive's PRIDE Employee Resource Group, Emma is a consistent force for inclusion and wellbeing - and the people around her are better for it.

What's one thing you're most proud of so far in your career?

I’m most proud of the team culture I’ve built, where people feel genuinely supported, understood, and able to grow. I make a conscious effort to really know each individual in my team, what motivates them, what challenges them, and how they work best, so I can support them in a way that truly works for them. Whether it’s building confidence, encouraging them outside their comfort zone, or guiding them through a demanding environment, I take pride in helping people see their own potential. The most rewarding part for me is hearing “you know me so well,” because it reflects the trust we’ve built and knowing I’ve played a part in their growth and development.

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