BookMyGarage celebrates International Women’s Day
3 March 2026 
Recognising International Women’s Day, which is being held on 8 March this year, BookMyGarage is celebrating six female members of its senior leadership team.
The comparison site for MOTs, servicing and repairs, is marking the 115th International Women’s Day which is following the theme of ‘Give to Gain’ to foster ‘a mindset of generosity and collaboration’.
BookMyGarage co-founder Karen Rotberg leads the business alongside her co-founder and husband, Douglas Rotberg. Karen began her entrepreneurial journey as the original founder and Managing Director of Jobsite, which was later acquired by the Daily Mail. She then entered the automotive sector in 1997, launching a series of successful start-ups, including the venture that evolved into TescoCars.com. In 2012, she co- founded TootCars, which briefly became RACGarageCompare before transforming into BookMyGarage.com in 2016.
Commenting, Karen said: “I’m incredibly proud of the formidable women who lead across BookMyGarage. Their vision, expertise and leadership have shaped this business and continue to drive it forward. International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate their achievements, but the impact they have is felt and appreciated every single day.”
Working alongside Karen, BookMyGarage’s are five key female heads of business. Rochelle Davey, Sales Director – Independents, leads the organisation’s 11-strong field sales team, ensuring garages receive personal, face-to-face support. Jessica Ruddick, Chief Marketing Officer, leads a talented team of specialists across SEO, PPC, CRM, content and design. Kirsty Chandler, Finance & Revenue Operations Manager, who has a decade of dedication to BookMyGarage, ensures the smooth, efficient operation of its financial systems. Clair Mitchell, Customer Success Operations Manager (Garage Services), heads a group of customer service specialists who deliver a seamless onboarding experience for every new garage. And Helen Weir-Willats, Head of B2B Marketing, leads the company’s B2B marketing function, expertly leveraging every marketing channel, and is instrumental in amplifying BookMyGarage’s message and driving demand.
Increasingly, senior women also feature among the platform’s garage partners, including Sarah Petty, co-owner of J Petty Motors, based in Goole, East Yorkshire, which she runs with her husband, Stuart, and her father-in-law, Keith. The business’s partnership with BookMyGarage was one of Sarah’s first managerial decisions in 2016. Sarah is also an advocate for women in the motor industry and, like Karen, has encouraged more women to consider the sector and has employed women in her own business.
Alongside Sarah, the garage employs two female service advisors: manager Sam Dickinson, who has been with the business for three years, and Gemma Groves. The garage’s first female apprentice, 18-year-old Vilte Dirgelaite, is in the first year of her apprenticeship. The garage also employs a part-time hospitality host, Debra Rothery, to welcome customers into a warm, inviting environment, helping them feel at ease as they walk into what can feel like a daunting experience. Sarah and her team aim to positively change how customers approach an independent garage.
Sarah added: “I have so much respect for women who forge a career in the aftermarket sector. The women I have come across in the industry and employed are highly professional and extremely knowledgeable. I am a huge advocate for giving women in the sector a voice and the space to speak up. I hope our experiences will encourage more women, especially younger females who may still be in school or college, to consider the sector. It’s a great place to work.”
According to the latest available data from the Department for Transport’s National Travel Survey, in 2024, around 80% of males and 71% of females held a driving licence. For males, the proportion has remained unchanged since 2002, whereas for females, the proportion holding a driving licence has increased by 9% over the same period.