James Brown once sang, "this is a man's world." But the times are rapidly changing. No longer are the men in control of everything in the corporate world. There are numerous women crashing through the "Glass Ceiling," every year. That includes the auto industry. Where more women are claiming their stake at the top of the corporate ladder. Because as Beyonce, now says, women rule the world.
Automotive News magazine recently published its list of the 100 Leading Woman in the North American Auto Industry. Northtown Volkswagen in Amherst, NY wants to take a moment to give these iconic leaders their due.
Kimberley Gardiner, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Mitsubishi Motors North AmericaKimberley Gardiner got her start as a MBA graduate management associate with Toyota. She says her big break came when she earned the position as Director of Marketing with Kia. She credits her love of cars and passion for customer service as the driving force in her career.
Joy Falotico, Chief Marketing Officer and President, Lincoln
Joy Falotico says she was looking to work for a great company, after graduating from college. Given the choice between GE and Ford, she picked Ford and her career was underway. She earned her stripes as a customer service rep in Kansas City, MO in 1989. She worked her way up and through a series of fortuitous opportunities put together funding arrangements for dealerships. Falotico says the biggest change she's seen in her three decades in the industry, is the technology.
Janet Barnard, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, Cox Automotive
Janet Barnard is making her name in one of the most recognizable brands in automotive. She spent 23 years with Cox Automotive on the business side and develop relationships with like-minded general managers. He got her first automotive job as the Chief Operating Officer at Manheim and says her first job as a General Manager at Cox Communications was a turning point in her career.
This is just a sampling of all the accomplishments women have achieved in the automotive industry. And the future is looking bright.
Northtown Volkswagen is the home of great new inventory and used models that are sure to catch your attention. Contact our team if you have any questions about anything you see at our Amherst, NY dealership.