Laura Goddard

Being shortlisted is a reflection of the amazing people I work with every day, and I feel lucky to be part of a business where the people make a difference. It's such a great initiative to recognise women across the automotive industry, and I'm really proud to be part of it.

Laura Goddard reaches 25 years of continuous service with Cox Automotive in July 2026 - a journey that began as a stop gap and became a career defined by growth, reinvention, and genuine care for others.

Her roles have spanned operations and people functions across the business, culminating in a mid-career decision to retrain via an HR apprenticeship - a bold move that reflects exactly the growth mindset she champions. Her most defining moment came during COVID, when she led her site through closure and reopening without a General Manager in place, holding the team together under genuine pressure.

Away from work, Laura serves as Deputy Director at the Colchester Samaritans - a substantive leadership role supporting people in crisis. The same steadiness and empathy she brings there runs through everything she does at Cox.

What advice would you give to women starting their career in automotive?

My advice would be to stay curious, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The automotive industry is full of opportunity, and no two days are the same.

Build strong relationships early. People are at the heart of everything we do, and those connections will make a huge difference to your experience and growth.

Also, don’t worry about having all the answers straight away. Focus on gaining experience, being adaptable, and developing your confidence over time. The best learning often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.

Celebrating the women of the automotive industry

Inspiring women to connect and succeed in the automotive industry by dreaming big and reaching goals since International Women’s Day 2016.

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