Break the Bias: heycar event puts automotive sector under the spotlight

Senior leaders from across the automotive sector, including the joint head of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), will discuss this year’s International Women’s Day theme ‘Break the Bias’ at a free-to-attend webinar on 10 March. 

>>> Register for free for the online event here

Currently, women represent only 20 per cent of the automotive workforce and at the executive level this drops to less than 10 per cent, according to a study by Deloitte.

This means businesses are missing out on the benefits of diversity as research has shown companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams are 21% more likely to experience above average profitability than companies in the lowest quartile.

 

For the automotive sector, a more diverse workforce will help make car dealerships more inclusive for customers and could help address the skills shortage the industry faces in transitioning to electric vehicles with the Government’s 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans.

The heycar panel discussion, which will take place 12pm-1pm and will be streamed live online, will bring together influential women from the automotive industry to address these issues. The panel will discuss how to challenge bias which may prevent women from progressing their automotive careers or discourage women from entering the sector in the first place. 

Karen Hilton, chief commercial officer at heycar, will be moderating the event and the panel will be made up of:

• Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles

• Katie Black, joint head of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) 

• Kirsten Stagg, head of marketing at Skoda UK

• Moyosola Fujamade, national contract hire relationship manager at Kia

 

Karen Hilton (pictured above), chief commercial officer at heycar, said: “At heycar we’re passionate about promoting positive change in the automotive sector. We’ve been recognised as an inclusive employer and appreciate the benefits of delivering equality among employees. But we know there is more work to do within our organisation and the industry as a whole. 

“We hope this event will showcase the fantastic roles in the automotive sector and give attendees some useful takeaways to effect change in their organisations and the wider industry.”

Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, believes the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) will bring many job opportunities. 

She said: “The EV revolution is the biggest change our roads have seen in 100 years. With it comes great cars, low running costs and huge carbon savings. It also brings great career opportunities and jobs that are full of purpose."

 

She added: “With more viewpoints and experiences, we can create better products and services that will help us look after our planet. Having more women across the car sector can help us accelerate the switch to electric; and give them a platform for a great career. 

 “Diversity is key, and it is not restricted to gender. As a growing organisation, we'd love more applicants from all walks of life.” 

>>> Register for free for the heycar panel discussion here

This article originally featured on heycar.co.uk