Alice Fenton

Alice Fenton (27 March 1909 17 March 1960) was the first woman to be a director of Jaguar Cars.

Early life and family Alice Fenton was born in Blackpool on 27 March 1909 to William and Alice. She also had a sister called Nancy. Fenton had been studying a commercial course, shorthand and typing and was therefore well equipped to join the Swallow Sidecar Company as an Office Junior.

With increasing sales, Lyons moved the business to Coventry in 1928 taking 32 of his 50 employees with him, including Fenton. Fenton became Lyons' Personal Assistant at the new plant in the Sales department

Death and legacy In 1959 at the age of 49, Fenton had been experiencing symptoms which were suspected to be Bell's Palsy and she suspected a minor car incident that autumn may have been to blame. Despite this, Lyons and Fenton had planned for her to attend the 1960 New Year Motor Show in New York City for the launch of the new Mark II compact saloon for the US market. Unfortunately, Fenton died suddenly overnight on the 17th of March ahead of the Motor Show. The cause of death was a cerebral haemorrhage.

Following her death, the road leading to the Jaguar Social Club was named in her honour.

In 2024, as part of International Women's Day, Jaguar Heritage Trust launched an exhibition called "The Women Who Made Their Marque". The exhibition included Fenton in its celebration of women who had contributed to Jaguar and the other marques associated with the brand.