Nicole Melillo Shaw

This nomination means so much because I've spent so much of my time evolving our culture at Volvo Car UK. I want to make sure that people don't shrink themselves and are able to be their authentic selves at work.

Nicole Melillo Shaw made history at Volvo Cars UK, leading the market as the first in the world to launch a direct-to-consumer retail model. The results followed: record sales, a #1 European ranking, 25% team growth, and the 2025 AM Awards Business Leader of the Year title.

Recognised globally as the first non-Chinese and first female recipient of the Geely Shufu Award, Nicole is as committed to people as she is to performance. She mentors colleagues across the UK and internationally, recently became Vice President of the Automotive Leaders Network, and is known for building environments where people feel genuinely empowered to speak up.

A working mother who believes in leaving every brand better than she found it, Nicole brings that same philosophy to her team.

What's one thing you wish you'd known earlier in your career?

To not feel like you need to know everything. There’s so much to gain from listening and being curious vs. pretending to have all of the answers. Show vulnerability around your gaps and double down on your strengths. This creates a huge amount of trust that will be much longer-lasting. Having humility also takes the focus away from expecting to be promoted constantly and supports broader growth, which will position you perfectly for the future. Think experiences, not promotions at the start of your career.

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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