5: That is what number of lists of 100 Main Ladies within the North American Auto Trade that Automotive Information has revealed. Twenty: That is the variety of years this mission has spanned.

300 seventy-two: That is what number of executives these lists have celebrated.

In 2000, once we compiled the primary listing, Writer Keith Crain wrote, “Let’s hope that the progress hurries up and that this would be the solely time when we’ve got to single out ladies for his or her accomplishments.”

Properly, that did not work. (Hope will not be a method.) Each 5 years I want that we’re making the ultimate Main Ladies listing. It is my favourite mission however I might favor that ladies in highly effective positions within the auto trade was routine and I discovered one thing else to concentrate on.

However right here we’re in 2020 — the auto world is reworking at warp velocity but it is nonetheless essential to name consideration to the achievements of automotive ladies.

We requested the Main Ladies how you can encourage ladies to enter the auto trade. Kimberley Gardiner, Mitsubishi Motors North America chief advertising and marketing officer, who’s becoming a member of Volkswagen of America on Nov. 16, mentioned: “I might say three issues. Visibility, visibility, visibility. There simply must be extra of us and we have to be extra seen.”

So that is what Automotive Information is doing with our Main Ladies lists, conferences, galas and the Main Ladies Community that’s 6,000 individuals sturdy.

We’re making ladies with authority seen. A lot of the Main Ladies really feel an obligation to mentor and sponsor the following era of leaders, in order that’s taking place, too. I’ve seen it usually. However clearly that is not sufficient.

Janet Barnard, chief individuals officer for Cox Automotive, thinks she is aware of who can assist ladies advance to high government jobs. She seems to the boys, “particularly the white males in our trade — who nonetheless are the bulk right here — and actually would simply look you all within the eye and say, ‘You’ll be able to assist us repair this and we’d like you to assist us repair it,’ ” she mentioned, including: “There are a whole lot of nice males on this trade who I feel will assist.”

Within the meantime, examine our fifth group of 100 Main Ladies within the 76-page particular part on this problem. They are a numerous group from 72 automotive firms however they’ve a lot in widespread: confidence, braveness and kick-ass careers. I wager many readers will relate to their struggles and their triumphs.

You will even discover management suggestions and guide suggestions. Principally you may discover vibrant, genuine position fashions who’re getting some much-needed visibility.