Home-grown talent praised at event

THE pioneering success of local, home-grown talent in the automotive industry was highlighted at a Coventry and Warwickshire Champions business event.

More than 100 business leaders gathered at the Royal Shakespeare Company’s recently launched venue, The Other Place, to hear from four speakers who have made their mark on Coventry and Warwickshire.

Danella Bagnall, the first ever female vehicle programme director at Jaguar Land Rover, gave guests an insight into her career at JLR and gave a sneak review of the Evoque Convertible.

Danella went to school in Coventry before embarking on an engineering apprenticeship with Austin Rover in 1987.

From this, she worked her way to the top of JLR and led the entire manufacturing process for the Evoque Cabriolets, which hits the roads this month.

The meeting was welcomed by the executive director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Catherine Mallyon, who gave a brief summary of events that were held by the RSC over the past six months.

Les Ratcliffe, chairman of Coventry and Warwickshire Champions, which promotes the region, said the bi-monthly event is a popular way of showcasing what the region has to offer.

“Danella’s story is inspiring as she was once an apprentice with a passion for the automotive industry, and progressed through the ranks to become a leading figure in Jaguar Land Rover.

“Not only has she made her mark on Jaguar Land Rover, but also the Coventry and Warwickshire area — she’s a great role model for aspiring engineers.

“It is also great to hear that after working on the Evoque in Liverpool, Danella is returning to the Midlands to work.”

Danella was also joined by the chief executive of Twycross Zoo, Sharon Redrobe, who is the current Businesswoman of the Year, and Ciaran Norris, the director of the now annual Rising Global Peace Conference, which is held in Coventry.