Women in Leadership
Further Articles
Technological Excellence: Hirschmann Automotive Shines at the Gasgoo Awards
We are pleased that the PowerStar family from Hirschmann Automotive has been awarded the Best Technical Practice Application Award at the Gasgoo Awards. This product line stands out in applications for vehicles with new energy systems, particularly in auxiliary units, due to its exceptional current-carrying capacity, high vibration resistance, and compact design.
Our Recap of the EICMA in Milan
This year, our team had the opportunity to showcase at EICMA in Milan for the first time – the world’s largest trade show for motorcycles and related industries.
Visit Us at EICMA & Explore the Future of Sensor Technology with Our Innovative eThrottle!
For the first time we will present ourselves at the EICMA in Milan! We will showcase our latest sensor technology developments, focusing on our electronic eThrottle. The EICMA will take place from November 5 to 10, 2024. Visit us in hall 22 at booth T30 and experience live how our advanced eThrottles revolutionize the riding experience. Come see for yourself and learn more about our advanced solutions!
Recap of the IZB: A Successful Trade Fair Participation
Every two years, the latest trends in the automotive supply industry are presented, and visitor records are broken each time. The trade fair's motto was “Empowering Partnerships.”
Recap of the Battery Show & Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Expo 2024
We are pleased to look back on our successful participation from October 8 to 10 and to have the opportunity to present our advanced solutions for electrified vehicles in the automotive sector.
Battery Show, Detroit: We hope to see you there.
Stop by hall A-C booth #906 at the Battery Show & Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Expo in Downtown Detroit from October 7 to 10. Learn about our advanced solutions for electrically powered vehicles in the automotive sector and connect with our industry experts. We will showcase our latest innovations in hall A-C at booth #906.
Making Apprenticeships Future-Proof
Qualified specialists are the basis for competitive companies and make a lasting contribution to the success of a company. We always strives to meet the goals of an excellent training company and to offer our apprentices the best possible training.
Start of the New Apprentices
As every year, the time had come again at the beginning of September: we welcomed 15 new apprentices and two business students at the plant in Rankweil, Austria as well as five new apprentices in Freyung, Germany.
A New Addition to Hirschmann Automotive
We are delighted to welcome Dennis Bräutigam as a new member of our management team at Hirschmann Automotive! With over 24 years of experience in stamping and forming technology, he brings immense knowledge and a strong passion for innovation.
Awarded as Excellent Apprenticeship Company
We're delighted to announce that we've once again received the state award »Excellent Apprenticeship Company 2024-2027«! The »Excellent Apprenticeship Company« initiative is awarded every three years and is aimed at apprenticeship companies that demonstrate above-average quality in the training of their apprentices.
On Road to the Smart Factory
Hirschmann Automotive continues to focus on intelligent but resource-saving automation and invests in state-of-the-art technologies at its headquarters in Rankweil, Austria.
electronica China 2024 | Trade Fair Review
electronica China 2024 has come to a successful end, and we at Hirschmann Automotive can look back on an exciting and productive trade fair.
electronica China: International Trade Fair for the Electrical Industry
The leading trade fair for electronic components, systems, applications, and solutions in China – the electronica China – will take place from July 8 to 10 in Shanghai, and we will exhibit. It is one of the most important trade fairs for the electrical industry in Asia and brings together leading companies worldwide. Get to know our products in low and high voltage, stamping, and other interesting innovations. Visit us at booth N4.4618 in Shanghai New International Expo Center from Monday on and meet our experts!
Receiving the Prestigious »Lean Management-Leitbetrieb®« 2023/2024 Award
Hirschmann Automotive has received the prestigious »Lean Management-Leitbetrieb®« 2023/2024 award for the West region in Austria! This coveted award is given to companies that stand out through the implementation of lean management strategies with a focus on waste reduction, efficient processes and continuous improvement. This award confirms that the automotive supplier is practicing lean management at a very high level. In addition, Hirschmann Automotive's contributions have significantly enriched the exchange of experience within the Lean Circle Group. This commitment has made a significant contribution to strengthening the production sites in Austria and securing production and jobs in the country. The achievement reflects the commitment to these principles and the tireless pursuit of excellence. A big thank you to the team who made this award possible! This is a testament to the commitment and continuous development of Hirschmann Automotive.
Connected by Passion for a Green Future: Together We Celebrated Earth Week
In cooperation with all seven plants, we have organized our first interactive Earth Week Campaign around the globe. From planting trees to building bee hotels, our employees have initiated conservation efforts that benefit our environment and biodiversity in the long term.
Hirschmann Automotive Invests in the Future: New Plants in Morocco & China
Hirschmann Automotive, a leading global provider of premium solutions for the automotive industry, continues to expand its economic and technological lead with investments around the globe. The expansion in Morocco and China marks a significant milestone in the company's growth strategy and strengthens its market position.
Success Story: We Are A Great Place To Work®
We are happy to share some exciting news: Hirschmann Automotive is a certified Great Place To Work® company at four of our seven plants worldwide.
Standing Strong Together: Our Donation Campaign for Morocco
In September, Morocco was shaken by a devastating earthquake that left the nation racing against the clock to find survivors and assess the damage caused. Our thoughts and support go out to the people affected by this tragedy.
(E)mission Impossible?
Hirschmann Automotive is confidently taking the road towards CO₂ neutrality by 2050 with a multifaceted approach.
Standing Strong Together
In recent days, Morocco was shaken by a devastating earthquake that has left the nation racing against the clock to find survivors and assess the damage caused by it. Our thoughts and support go out to the people affected by this tragedy.
The Representatives of Vorarlberg's Most Prominent Companies as Guests in Our Halls
On Tuesday evening, our logistics center at the headquarters in Rankweil was transformed into an event location! The reason was the “VN Top 100” event, where more than 300 top representatives and prominent entrepreneurs from Vorarlberg's economy and politics, including Finance Minister Magnus Brunner and Country Councilor Marco Tittler, were visiting. We are proud to have hosted this event, where Vorarlberg's largest and most successful companies are honored, and the VN Business Award is presented every year.
Angelo Holzknecht Becomes New CEO of Hirschmann Automotive
Following the latest Board resolution, Angelo Holzknecht will take up the position of Chief Executive Officer. The international automotive supplier is pleased to be able to appoint this responsible position from within its own ranks.
Adrian Low is the new Managing Director of China.
We are pleased to announce that Adrian Low will take over the position of Managing Director as of February 20, 2023. He will be fully responsible for the business and operations in the APAC market for Hirschmann Automotive.
Most Attractive Employer for Students Award
We are pleased to announce that our plant in Vsetín has been honored with the "Most AQttractive Employer for Students Award 2022" on 3rd place in Zlín region. This award is a result of our teamwork and passion for people.
Happy International Women's Day!
»Today, we are celebrating the strength, determination, and resilience of women everywhere.« - Michelle Obama.
March 8 - not just a day, but the day known worldwide as International Women's Day, representing progress in the pursuit of equality. Today serves as a special reminder to all of us to honor and support the women around us.
The History behind It
The history of International Women's Day dates back to the early 20th century when women began organizing marches and actively campaigning for change. One of the first marches occurred in New York City, where 15,000 women flooded the streets to campaign for better wages, working conditions, and the right to vote. This gave rise to the first National Women's Day in 1909, later celebrated in other parts of the world and known as International Women's Day since 1911.
The Motto of This Year's International Women's Day 2024
This year, International Women's Day's motto is »Inspire Inclusion« which expresses the idea that it belongs to everyone.
Women in Leadership Positions
In the context of gender equality and diversity in leadership positions, it is often emphasized that professional performance is the decisive criterion for filling these roles, regardless of gender. An analysis of statistics from recent years provides data on developments in this area.
Only 10% of the world's top companies are managed by women.1 Female managers are even rarer in industry, where only 9.8% of board positions are held by women. Nevertheless, there are also positive examples, such as the consumer goods industry, which is leading the way here with 23.5% of management positions held by women.2
We at Hirschmann Automotive also want to show that diversity is possible and that women play an essential role in management positions. For example, almost a third of our managers at our plant in Nantong, China, are women.
Strong Women at Hirschmann Automotive
At Hirschmann Automotive, we celebrate our amazing women every day.
Today, we present ten influential women at Hirschmann Automotive. From HR Director to Heads of Group Process Management to Production Segment Leaders, these strong women inspire and pave the way for diversity and leadership in our industry.
May Dai | Leader Quality Production
At our plant in China, May Dai has been part of the Hirschmann Automotive team since 2021 and is the Head of Quality for Production in China. When we asked her what challenges she had to overcome on her way to becoming a leader, it was her belief in herself that she could be a leader.
»If you don't believe in yourself, you can't expect others to do so either. As a woman aspiring to a leadership position, it's important to know your worth.«
During this time, May expanded and deepened her knowledge of quality and learned a lot about leadership. Her incredible expertise, but above all, her belief in herself, has brought her to where she is today.
Lydia Zhang | Leader Process Development
Lydia, Process Development Leader in China, also demonstrated that women are present in process development and can take on leadership roles. When asked what key message she would pass on from her experience as a role model for many women at Hirschmann Automotive, her answer was simple: »confidence. It is essential to develop a certain amount of self-confidence and trust in what you think is right.«
Gertraud Mathis-Dietrich | Global Head of Legal & Compliance
Gertraud, also known as »Traudi«, has been part of the Hirschmann Automotive team for over ten years and is Global Head of Legal & Compliance at our HQ in Rankweil. She is a respected manager and a mother of two daughters, proving both are possible. The traditional understanding of roles, in which women are mainly responsible for raising children and men for financial support, is increasingly being questioned. However, it is still widespread in some circles. We asked her how she reconciled her family and career and achieved a healthy balance between family and career.
»On the one hand, it requires a passion for both areas, family and career. In addition, a forward-looking organization is essential. Without flexibility, a commitment to management is inconceivable. This applies to both sides. Hirschmann Automotive has always accommodated me here, and I am very grateful for that.«
Above all, however, Traudi mentioned another not-insignificant aspect: being mindful of your resources. These should be replenished regularly. For Traudi, this meant taking short walks daily to get some fresh air and making music. The famous balancing act between family and career is certainly not easy, but it can be done. For her, the compatibility of family and career is a significant enrichment and ultimately makes her a balanced and satisfied woman.
Nadine Amann | Head of Group Process Management
Nadine Amann, Head of Group Process Management, has been strongly involved in developing a new internal process in recent years and has demonstrated her skills and professionalism. The term female empowerment is omnipresent these days. We asked her what female empowerment means to her.
»For me, female empowerment means that women acquire or receive all the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to achieve their goals. It's about creating a world where women can fully exploit their potential. For me, however, it is not about preferential treatment through "mandatory" quotas but equal treatment and justice.
To achieve equal treatment and justice, women need access to education/knowledge, jobs that allow them to be financially independent, and the right to self-determination. There should be no restrictions or requirements based on gender. For me, female empowerment means that women receive the same opportunities with the same effort and the same possibilities.«
Omnia El Ghazy | Human Resources Director
Omnia has been part of the Hirschmann Automotive family for 11 years and was promoted to Human Resources Director in September.
When we asked Omnia what advice she would give to other women aspiring to management, she began by emphasizing that leadership has nothing to do with gender but with skills, qualities, and actions. Her advice to women who are aiming for a leadership position is as follows:
»Don't hesitate to take on challenges and step out of your comfort zone. Taking on challenges can lead to personal and professional growth.
Authenticity is the key to successful leadership. Stay true to yourself, your values, and your principles. Authentic leaders inspire the trust and loyalty of others.
Actively seek feedback from colleagues, mentors, and team members. Use feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Lead by example and demonstrate the qualities you expect from others, such as integrity, accountability, and resilience.
Leadership roles can be demanding and challenging. Develop resilience to overcome setbacks, failures, and obstacles with grace and determination.«
Isabel Fuchs | Head of Logistics
Isabel is the Head of Logistics at our plant in Germany. Equality between women and men in management positions has still not been achieved in many companies in the 21st century. When asked how companies can help promote gender equality in management positions, Isabel had the following to say:
»The media has discussed the tandem model—two part-time employees sharing a full-time position with management responsibilities. In my opinion, reconciling family and career is still challenging. Women are more likely to have multiple duties than men, which is a significant obstacle on the path to management responsibility. The tandem model is an excellent way to create more flexibility. Facilities such as a company kindergarten also make combining family and career easier for many women.
Companies should set a good example, promote potential female managers, make them »visible« outside their company boundaries, and publicize their commitment. This would be effective and encourage other companies to become more open and break down prejudices.«
Nikol Baletkova | Leader Accounting
The Head of Accounting in the Czech Republic is female. We asked Nikol what people or events inspired her to pursue her career path and work as a manager today.
»My Master's degree in Finance was the initial impulse for my professional career. The dynamic and innovative automotive industry fascinated me during my studies and was an industry in which I wanted to grow. I am inspired by articles about successful women who are managers and owners of companies, whether in the Czech Republic or abroad.«
Gabriela Gajdosova | Head of Project Area
We asked Gabriela, one of 14 female managers at our plant in Vsetín, how she has made it this far in a male-dominated industry and to what extent she has had to assert herself.
»I was fortunate to work with strong male managers who recognized my potential and were unafraid to support me on my career path. However, I remember times when my limits were tested. Today, it is a valuable experience that has shaped me and positively impacted my work-related decisions so far.«
Janet Bogdan | Production Segment Leader
Janet, one of the 63 female managers at our plant in Romania, is the Production Segment Leader. As a role model for many women at Hirschmann Automotive, she gave the key message from her experience to focus on passion and hard work and to remember that »everything seems impossible until it's done.«
Alina Gamalie | Leader Accounting
Alina Gamalie, a leader in accounting at a plant in Romania, balances family and career. She tries to be there for every part of herself - mother, wife, and manager. When asked whether it was challenging to return to work after maternity leave, she gave the following answer:
»It was good to be back at work and to find the part of me that I had left behind here and that was »on vacation«. It took about two months before I was able to focus and think 100% on the issues again fully, but I had the understanding of my team and the support of my family at the same time.«
Happy International Women's Day!
In conclusion, the achievements and experiences of women in management positions at our plants worldwide are invaluable. They shed light not only on the challenges and successes on the road to gender equality but also on the positive impact of diversity on corporate culture. Their stories and perspectives are a source of inspiration and a clear signal of the need to continue paving the way for future generations of female leaders.
Today, on International Women's Day, we celebrate the remarkable determination, achievements, and strength of women worldwide. We are proud to have strong women who are committed to their success.
