Our Extra Mile Speakers
Meet the Aldermore Group Leadership Team
Debbie McKay, Director – Distribution, MotoNovo
Debbie has played a prominent role in the impressive growth of the business. With over 20 years in motor finance, Debbie has worked hand-in-hand with many of the UK’s most recognisable motor retail groups and major brokers. Drawing on her operational experience and deep knowledge of both the consumer and regulatory landscape, she brings valuable perspective to strategic discussions.
Extra Mile Conference and Awards Speakers
We're delighted to welcome Nick Press, Stephen Whitton, Julia Muir, Lynne McBurney and Justine Pernice as our conference guest speakers, and Penny Mallory who will be joining us for our evening awards ceremony.
Nick Press, AutoTrader
Over the past two decades, Nick has worked across the automotive industry, from franchise retailers to leadership roles in leasing. For the past four years, he has been part of Auto Trader’s Commercial Partnerships team, partnering with lenders and leasing companies to provide market insights and enhance the way they connect with today’s car buyers.
Stephen Whitton, [M]enable
With over 35 years of leadership experience, Stephen draws on a rich blend of commercial expertise, lived experience, and a genuine passion for human performance. He has worked with leaders, managers, and teams across sectors — helping organisations unlock the link between wellbeing, engagement, and business success. Stephen founded [M]enable to challenge stigma, normalise conversations about mental health, and equip leaders with practical tools to build thriving cultures. Through his keynotes, workshops, and the Mental Wealth Champions Programme, he inspires audiences to rethink leadership, redefine success, and create environments where people and performance grow together.
Julia Muir, Gaia Innovation Ltd
CEO of Gaia Innovation Ltd and award-winning founder of the Automotive 30% Club; a network of automotive CEOs and MDs who are building high performing gender-balanced teams to rise to the challenges of industry transformation, Julia is also a Vice President of the Automotive Leadership Network, and an Honorary Fellow of The IMI. With 35 years’ experience in automotive in HR, Training, Sales, Marketing and Product Development, she supports leaders to create inclusive cultures that enable people to achieve their full potential; advises on delivering school engagement activities to inform youngsters about careers; and inspires women to progress in the industry.
Lynne McBurney, Arnold Clark
Lynne joined Arnold Clark in 2005 and is currently Group People Director, having previously held the role of Group Head of People. Lynne is dedicated to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee well-being, inclusivity and growth. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Lynne was a huge driver of Arnold Clark’s LGBT+ support and has also worked closely with the Automotive 30% club to help breakdown perceptions of industry and bridge the gender gap. Her efforts in this space have earned her recognition, including the Diversity Rising Star Award, Automotive Industry Inspirational Woman award, and as a top 10 nominee for the British LGBT Awards. Lynne has also played a key role in Arnold Clark's ongoing transformation, spearheading change management strategies to drive progress and enhance the employee experience.
Justine Pernice, Aldermore
Justine has over 10 years’ experience across financial services, government, education and the third sector, combining business insight with a strong commitment to social impact, working to create inclusive cultures where everyone can thrive. She began her career in talent and engagement before progressing into senior DE&I roles at the London Chamber of Commerce, BMT Global, and WorldSkills UK. In her current role at Aldermore Bank, she leads on inclusion, wellbeing and cultural transformation across the group. She also represents the bank externally on national forums such as the Moving Ahead Client Advisory Group and BITC, helping shape industry-wide approaches to equity and progression.
Penny Mallory, World-class expert in Mental Toughness
Penny is a former World Rally Championship driver, TV Presenter, Mountaineer, Boxer, Marathon Runner and Atlantic Ocean rowing in training. Her raw, real-life story of turning adversity into high performance isn’t just inspiring - it’s transformational. Penny defied the odds by achieving her childhood ambition of becoming a Rally Driver, and then surpassed that dream by becoming the first woman to compete in a World Rally Car for Ford in the prestigious World Rally Championship. Remarkably, she remains the only woman to accomplish this. Her journey is even more remarkable given her tumultuous past as a teenage runaway, enduring 3 years of homelessness in London. Penny attributes her success to her Mental Toughness. She made impossible possible and has since dedicated her life to helping others do the same. She is one of the most in-demand motivational speakers in the UK.
