The 2025 judging panel includes figures from across the sector, their collective insight ensures that every entry is assessed with a critical eye and an understanding of the challenges facing business motorists today.
With a strong focus on innovation, efficiency, and real-world value for SMEs, their decisions will shape a winners’ list that reflects not only quality, but also the evolving needs of the modern business driver.
The winners will be announced shortly, but for now, we’re proud to introduce the people behind the process – our 2025 judges.
Steve Kitson
Former Communications Director, Kia UK
Kitson has recently retired as Communications Director at Kia UK. He started his career as a journalist in Yorkshire before embarking on a PR career with National Breakdown, and Renault before joining the Hyundai Group working for the Korean brands in the UK and Seoul.
Andy Picton
Specialist Residual Value Analyst & Team Leader – Glass’s
Andy Picton is a Specialist RV Analyst and Team Leader at Glass’s, having worked in the Commercial Vehicle Team since joining the company in November 2002. Andy is responsible for the issue of accurate used and forecast valuation data supplied to subscribers, which include the motor trade, finance houses and remarketing organisations. Previously having worked at Barclays Mercantile Asset Finance and LeasePlan, Andy has worked in the commercial vehicle industry for 35 years. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with family, playing football, and listening to all forms of electronic dance music.
Philip Nothard
Insight Director & Chair of the VRA
Cox Automotive International
Philip is Insight Director at Cox Automotive Europe, where he leads the development of strategic insights that support both Cox Automotive and its customers in navigating the evolving automotive landscape.
With over 37 years of experience, Philip is a widely respected authority in vehicle remarketing, retail, fleet, and corporate sectors. He also serves as Chair of the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) and a Member of the European Remarketing Advisory Board, reinforcing his position as a key thought leader in the field.
Beyond his expertise in data and strategy, Philip maintains strong relationships across the automotive sector, engaging with senior executives, industry associations, and key stakeholders, including the UK Government and the Bank of England (BoE). These connections enable him to provide informed, forward-thinking perspectives that shape industry discourse and decision-making.
A strategic and analytical thinker, Philip specialises in transforming complex industry intelligence and data into actionable insights. A trusted industry commentator, he has built a reputation for delivering clear, compelling, high-impact executive summaries that drive informed decisions.
Paul Turner
Executive Chairman
APD Global Group Limited
As Executive Chairman, Paul has led APD Global since 2003, successfully transforming the company into a leader in customer, consumer, and passenger feedback analysis for the automotive and aviation sectors.
APD’s consultancy services and its Voice.360 customer experience (CX) SaaS platform are widely utilised by airlines, vehicle manufacturers, brokers, leasing and fleet management companies around the world.
With offices in Swindon, UK, and Melbourne, Australia, the business has expanded to include APD Australia, APD Compliance, and APD Global Research. In 2024, the company conducted over 1.5 million surveys across 65 countries and in 36 languages.
Rupert Pontin
Automotive Consultant and Deputy Chair of the VRA
Rupert Pontin is a high-profile industry leader and automotive market expert with over 35 years experience spanning the UK and European automotive sectors.
Having worked for both blue chip organisations and start-ups, he is adept at business leadership and digital transformation turning ideas to reality and scaling up to maximise commercial return.
Pontin also helps create innovative and rewarding work environments to develop and empower engaged, productive and happy employees vital to the success of any business.
Russ Boulton
Head of Commercial Data and Innovation at Ayvens
Russ Boulton is the Head of Commercial Data and Innovation at Ayvens, where he leads data-driven strategies to optimise commercial fleet operations. A seasoned expert in fleet consultancy, Russ specialises in translating complex data into actionable insights, helping businesses make informed, strategic decisions.
As a Fellow of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), Russ is deeply involved in shaping the future of fleet electrification, cost optimisation, and innovation. He has spearheaded national EV trials, collaborating with public and private sector fleets to advance sustainable transport solutions.
Russ also played a pivotal role in developing TCO+, an industry-leading toolset designed to bring clarity and transparency to fleet decision-making. With a commitment to innovation and efficiency, Russ is driving the evolution of commercial mobility toward a smarter, more sustainable future.
Andrew Charman
Industry and Road Test Correspondent
Andrew Charman has been a motoring journalist for more than 30 years, writing about vehicles, technology and the industry. He is a Guild of Motoring Writers committee member and has won several awards including for his business coverage.
Mark Gibson
Marketing Manager, Automotive at Astor Media
Mark has worked in the Automotive industry since 2002. Having worked in the Sales and Marketing departments for a number of leading Leasing Companies for 15 years, he has since branched out to provide Sales and Marketing consultancy support to Brokers, Manufacturers, Dealer, Software companies and forward thinking Leasing Businesses since 2017.
