Unipart’s Chairman and Group Chief Executive, John Neill CBE, won the coveted “Outstanding Achievement” Award at the annual Automotive Global Awards.
The event took place at the majestic surroundings of Claridge’s Hotel, London with top automotive industry guests in attendance, Neill was honoured as the individual who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in service to the automotive industry.
In 1974, Neill joined Unipart, the parts and service division of the state-owned British Leyland. By 1987, he headed up a management buyout from the British Leyland conglomerate.
Determined to set a path of change, Neill moved the business on not only culturally but also in its development of new logistics services for competitor companies. Through this change, the company developed a philosophy known as “The Unipart Way” and through this new identity has extended from its roots in manufacturing, into other sectors including supply chain consultancy. Today the group employs over 7,000 across 40 UK and 15 overseas sites and includes some of Britain’s most prestigious names on its client list.
Under Neill’s guidance, Unipart Group has built trust, remained flexible and adaptable to change by listening to its customers’ needs and responding to their markets as they evolved.
Neill has also held a variety of Directorships both within the automotive industry and in non-executive posts at the Bank of England and Royal Mail and in 1994, he was awarded a CBE for his services to industry.
Neill was one of 18 individuals and companies rewarded for having achieved the unachievable or for having pioneered a new way of thinking or working.
Unipart Chairman and Group Chief Executive, John Neill CBE, said: “I am extremely honoured to receive this award for my contribution to the automotive industry. It continues to be a great privilege to lead such inspirational people across Unipart, who every day make such a positive difference to our customers by using the tools and techniques of The Unipart Way, which is our business system for continuous productivity improvement. As we are in the midst of a new golden age with the Fourth Industrial Revolution, I am looking forward to continuing to lead Unipart people to shape the future of an industry at the forefront of innovation in the UK.”
Peter Wooding, CEO of Three6Zero who organised the Awards said “John Neill is widely recognised as the visionary leader of an outstanding company that has become the benchmark for customer service and productivity in our industry. John has time and again demonstrated the importance of personal leadership both in his own company and in the numerous industry organisations in which he has participated. When many people think of innovation and achievement, they think of the UK automotive industry, and when those of us in the automotive industry think of the leaders who have shaped our future, we think of John Neill.”
Top executives gathered to represent the automotive industry at this black tie event with the sole purpose of acknowledging superb performance for each winner and nominee. Amidst the art-deco splendour of one of London’s finest hotels, the Awards delivered their promise of fine food, great entertainment and opulent surroundings, yet the purpose of the Awards held fast throughout: that every guest left feeling renewed with positivity for the industry about which they are passionate.
Awards host, Motorsport Journalist, Amanda Stretton said:““A lot has happened in the past year – we have seen many developments and innovations in the automotive world, major advances in autonomous and electric vehicle development, faster, lighter, more efficient vehicles, leaner and greener production platforms and advancements in materials and supply chain innovation have assured continued growth in a global market. These awards are all about celebrating that innovation and growth across the whole industry by encouraging and developing individuals through creativity of ideas, through adaptation and flexibility, through planning and pioneering new ways, new thoughts and new ideas,”
Peter added: “I see and speak to many people in the course of my job, and I can honestly say that this industry is tough and has many challenges. So many deserve recognition for what they do and so I am delighted that we have brought together a truly outstanding group of individuals for these annual celebrations and were able to recognise some of the best performers in automotive’s global supply chain.”