IMI launches £2,000 Future Leader Award with Daksh Gupta

The Institute of the Motor Industry, in partnership with former Marshall Motor Group chief Daksh Gupta, has launched the Future Leader Award. The £2,000 bursary and a year of one‑to‑one mentoring aim to recognise and develop emerging automotive managers, with the winner announced at the IMI Annual Dinner on 10 March 2027.

Key takeaways

• The award offers a £2,000 bursary funded by Daksh Gupta.
• Winners receive 12 months of personal mentoring from Gupta, CEO of Huws Gray Group.
• Open to automotive managers with less than five years’ management experience who show measurable results.
• Judging panel includes former Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson and IMI directors.
• Winner will be announced at the IMI Annual Dinner on 10 March 2027.

Award details and eligibility

The Future Leader Award is open to anyone working in an automotive role, provided they have fewer than five years of management experience. Applicants must demonstrate measurable business results, such as revenue growth or cost reduction.

Eligibility is not limited by vehicle type or dealership size, allowing a broad range of candidates from sales, service, parts or corporate functions to apply.

Mentoring and career support

Winner receives a twelve‑month one‑to‑one mentoring contract with Daksh Gupta, who now leads Huws Gray Group and serves as non‑executive chairman of Hendy Group. The mentorship will focus on strategic leadership, team development and operational improvement.

Gupta’s own career benefited from similar mentorship, and he aims to replicate that support for the next generation of automotive leaders.

Judging criteria and panel

Judges will assess candidates on leadership potential, ability to develop colleagues and evidence of business improvements. The panel includes Gupta, former Peugeot global CEO Linda Jackson, IMI non‑executive director Adrian Wallington and IMI director Sarah Whiteside Jones.

Industry data shows that structured mentorship programmes can accelerate career progression and improve dealership performance.

Announcement and timeline

Nominations open immediately, with entries accepted through the IMI website. The final shortlist will be reviewed in early 2027.

The winner will be revealed at the IMI Annual Dinner and Awards held at London’s InterContinental Hotel Park Lane on 10 March 2027.

What this means for dealers

Dealers can promote the award to their rising talent as a development tool, helping retain high‑potential staff. The bursary and mentorship also provide a tangible incentive for managers to deliver measurable results, aligning personal growth with dealership profitability.

Participating in the programme enhances a dealer’s reputation as an employer that invests in leadership, which can aid recruitment and improve morale across the business.

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Future Leader Award?

Any individual employed in an automotive role across sales, service, parts or corporate functions can apply, provided they have less than five years of management experience and can show measurable business results.

What does the mentoring programme include?

The mentoring consists of twelve months of one‑to‑one sessions with Daksh Gupta, covering strategic decision‑making, team development, operational efficiency and personal leadership skills tailored to the winner’s career goals.

When and where will the winner be announced?

The award winner will be announced at the Institute of the Motor Industry Annual Dinner and Awards on 10 March 2027, held at the InterContinental Hotel Park Lane in London.