10 Women Driving Change in the Auto Industry

Every five years, Automotive News unveils its “100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry” list, celebrating influential leaders shaping the sector’s future. Below are 10 women featured in the most recent edition, representing diverse companies and leadership roles across the industry.

Myra Adams, Group Vice President of Sales Operations, Southeast Toyota Distributors.

Myra Adams serves as Group Vice President of Sales Operations at Southeast Toyota Distributors, part of JM Family Enterprises. A marketing graduate, she has been with the company for 29 years.

In her role, Adams oversees new vehicle sales, fixed operations, and marketing. She also leads the SET People Strategy Committee, focusing on talent recruitment, development, succession planning, and culture during tech transitions. Previously, she was Vice President of Market Representation and has held various leadership roles in Marketing and Sales.

Aruna Anand, President and CEO, Automotive, Continental North America, Continental.

Aruna Anand has been President and CEO of Continental’s Automotive group sector in North America since 2022. She holds a master’s in Computer Science and Engineering from Oakland University and a bachelor’s in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University in India.

Joining Continental in 1997, Anand has held leadership roles across various sectors, including Software for Gasoline Engine and Transmission Systems and Wireless Product Group Engineering. Before her current position, she led Continental Engineering Services.

Josie Archer, Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Aptiv. 

Josie Archer Senior Vice President of Global Sales at Aptiv  since November 2022, earned her Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University.

Archer joined Aptiv in 2017, serving as Vice President of Sales for Electrical Distribution Systems, then for Advanced Safety & User Experience. She previously held commercial roles at leading companies, including Bosch, Panasonic Automotive, and Continental. Archer also champions Aptiv’s Women’s Network.

Neeru Arora, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Mazda North American Operations

Neeru Arora became Senior Vice President and CIO of Mazda North American Operations in July 2024. She holds a Bachelor’s in Finance and Economics from Loyola University Chicago.

Arora oversees IT and digital transformation strategies, focusing on analytics, cybersecurity, and compliance. Previously, she was CIO at Alliant Credit Union and held CIO/CDO roles at Volkswagen Group of America.

Mary Barra, CEO, General Motors.

Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors, has been CEO since 2014 and Board Chair since 2016.  She earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Kettering University and an MBA from Stanford.

Barra began her GM career in 1980 as a co-op student and held leadership roles, including EVP of Global Product Development and VP of Global Human Resources. She serves on the boards of Disney and Duke University.

Wendy Bauer, Group President, Transportation and Electronics, 3M.

Wendy Bauer, Group President of 3M’s Transportation and Electronics Business Group, holds degrees in engineering and automotive technologies.

Before joining 3M, Bauer led Amazon Web Services’ global automotive organization. With over 20 years of experience, she has driven innovation and business development in the sector.

Olabisi Boyle, Senior Vice President, Product Planning and Mobility Strategy, Hyundai Motor North America

Olabisi Boyle is Hyundai’s Senior Vice President of Product Planning and Mobility Strategy at Hyundai Motor North America. She earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering, an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia, and a B.S. in Physics from Fordham University.

Joining Hyundai in 2020, Boyle previously led connected commerce at Visa and held leadership roles at Fiat Chrysler and Ford. She serves on several boards, including Braun Corporation and the Los Angeles Auto Show.

Jamie Brewer, General Motors, Executive Chief Engineer, Battery Electric Trucks

Jamie Brewer, Chief Engineer of the Cadillac Lyriq, has dedicated her GM career to electric vehicles. She studied engineering and led the design for the Chevrolet Volt, GM’s first hybrid.

Currently, Brewer oversees engineering teams for GM’s EV projects, aligning technical execution with design and performance goals.

Erin Buchanan, General Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada

Erin Buchanan-Gelinas is General Manager at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, overseeing operations at the North Plant, which produces the 5th Generation RAV4.

She also serves as Lexus NX Chief Production Manager, managing its production transfer from Japan to Canada. Buchanan-Gelinas has held leadership roles in manufacturing and product localization.

Carrie Catherine, Volvo Car USA, Head of Network and Customer Experience

Carrie Catherine leads Network, Customer Experience, and Learning & Development at Volvo Car USA. With four decades in the industry, she focuses on retailer performance and customer satisfaction.

Since 2018, she has launched the Volvo Retailer Standards Program, achieved record Sales Satisfaction Index scores, and founded “Ladies of Volvo” to support women in the workplace.