Automotive Logistics marks International Women’s Day

The Automotive logistics sector, traditionally dominated by male presence, is gradually seeing a shift with increasing involement of women. This change is brining new prespective, ideas and a diverse set of skills to the forefront of an industry vital to global economics.

While Automotive Logistics does not pursue stories based on gender, of course, for International Womens Day, we wanted to share a collection of interviews and features highlighting the accoplishments, challenges and insights of women who are driving change in the automotive sector.

Mandisa Gordon, JLR

Mandisa Gordon, finance transformation manager at JLR, spoke to Automotive Logistics about the importance of diversity and the need for a skilled workforce in an industry that is shifting to electric vehicles and digital transformation.

Ekaterina Serban, Bosch

Ekaterina Serban, head of privacy and information security at tier supplier Bosch, and international partner of the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) told Automotive Logistics that companies need to think about how the labour landscape will change over the coming years, and prepare the next diverse generation of experts and leaders with different mindsets and skill sets.

Amy Broglin-Peterson, MSU

With three generations before her having worked in the automotive industry, Amy Broglin-Peterson, who teaches supply chain management at Michigan State University, said that a lack of diversity and inclusion in automotive logistics meant she couldn’t continue the family trend, as she felt she “had no choice but to leave the industry”.

Birgit Fuchs, Infineon

In the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive logistics, the journey towards a resilient, agile and digitally enhanced supply chain is pivotal. Birgit Fuchs, vice president of Supply Chain at Infineon Technologies, shares insights into how automotive OEMs and tier suppliers can navigate the digital transformation, championing standardisation, diversity and collaboration to boost competitiveness, operational efficiency and sustainability.

Barbara Bergmeier, JLR

Automotive Logistics spoke to Barbara Bergmeier, executive director of industrial operations, JLR about her unique oversight of the OEM’s production, procurement and supply chain. She’s using her role to upgrade plants, systems, skills and supplier relations as the carmaker gears up to build more EVs, increase flexibility and cut emissions.

Susanne Lehmann, VW Group Malaysia

Logistics veteran Dr Susanne Lehmann became managing director for VW Group in Malaysia at the beginning of this year, leading the group’s supply chain, production and sales in the country as the OEM seeks to increase volume in the region and in wider south-east Asia.

Mercedes Figueroa, Stellantis

Now vice-president of transportation for North America at Stellantis, Mercedes Figueroa is leading the carmaker’s logistics functions across the region and for international parts and vehicle flows. With more than 25 years of experience across supply chain, logistics and procurement, she has a track record of significant network improvement and cost savings, as well as building teams and promoting diversity and inclusion within the sector.

Sarah Amico, Jack Cooper

Sarah Amico, executive chairperson at North American vehicle hauler Jack Cooper is leading the company to rapid growth. At the most recent Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global conference in Dearborn, Michigan, she said the company is seeing expansion in Mexico, where it has opened five locations and added 12 new customers over the past year.