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Automotive industry suffers from gender imbalance

Lesley Woolley SMT BCM
Lesley Woolley SMT BCM

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June 26, 2018

THE Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) says that a strong gender imbalance is to the detriment of the automotive industry.
 
A report issued in support of International Women in Engineering Day (June 23), found only 20% of jobs in the automotive retail industry currently occupied by women.
 
Certainly in the leasing broker sector – with some notable exceptions – it is highly male dominated.
 
Nevertheless, the sector faces a brighter future with the news that more businesses are increasing their employment of women in more senior positions within the business – demonstrating that females certainly have a role to play in the motor industry.
 
For example, Linda Jackson, Citroen Global CEO, was recently named the the most influential British woman working in the motor industry by Autocar magazine.
 
As the professional body for the sector, the IMI is calling on all leaders across the industry to help raise awareness of the career opportunities available to women. 
 
Lesley Woolley, COO at the IMI, said:
 
“As a woman in what is perceived to be a male-dominated business, I’m proud to be a COO in a business that takes gender equality very seriously.
 
“I and the other women employed at the Institute of the Motor Industry form part of a 60% female majority, representing the changing face of our sector.
 
“It’s widely accepted these days that a gender balance in the modern workplace delivers better business results, if this balance is also reflected within a senior management team then the culture and performance of a business are better aligned. I have witnessed this at first hand.
 
“We have a great sector where women can carve a successful career like never before; the exciting opportunities driven by technological advancement increase these career opportunities on an almost exponential basis, so I welcome women thinking about the motor industry to join us to shape its future.”
 

 

Linda Jackson, Citroen Global CEO,
Linda Jackson, Citroen Global CEO

The Autocar top 100 British women in the automotive sector

 
Executive and overall winner
Linda Jackson, chief executive officer, Citroën
 
Design
Helen Emsley, design director, General Motors
 
Product Development
Elizabeth Hill, chief product engineer, Jaguar Land Rover
 
Communications
Fiona Pargeter, customer experience director, Jaguar Land Rover
 
Government Affairs
Helen Foord, head of government relations and public policy, PSA Groupe
 
Manufacturing
Josephine Payne, plant manager, Ford Motor Company
 
Purchasing
Sue Slaughter, director of purchasing, Ford of Europe
 
Sales – Brand
Rachael Thompson, sales director, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK
 
Sales – Retail
Diana Mackinnon, general manager, Lexus Edgware
 
Marketing
Michelle Roberts, marketing director, BMW Group UK
 
Human Resources
Clare Martin, group HR director, Jardine Motors Group

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Leasing Broker Federation

Leasing Broker Federation

The Leasing Broker Federation is an independent membership organisation supporting leasing brokers and operators across the uk. It better equips brokerages with knowledge and skills supporting them to thrive within this growing sector.

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