As we celebrate International Women’s Day today, it’s a good chance to look at one motoring brand that is not only led by a woman but also prides itself on the number of female employees.

There are three women front and centre at General Motors Speciality Vehicles (GMSV) performance wing in Melbourne when it comes to female representation in the traditionally male-dominated world of automotive leadership. 

“It is common knowledge that the auto industry is skewed heavily towards male representation, so it’s incredibly heartening we’re making gains in changing this balance, albeit as part of a relatively small team,” said the Director of GMSV, Joanne Stogiannis. 

“This is demonstrated as part of the leadership team, where myself as head of GMSV and my colleagues Jodie Lennon and Dahlia Shnider work hand in hand on this new and exciting business,” she said.

GMSV was created with the closer of GM Holden in Australia and GM New Zealand. It imports the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 that is converted to right-hand-drive by Walkinshaw Automotive Group. The Silverado 2500 and the C8 Corvette to follow in late 2021. 

“At GMSV, females account for 45 per cvent of all personnel in the team. This diversity is incredibly important as studies have shown that company performance can be enhanced through greater gender balance. Greater inclusiveness can only lead to better outcomes.” 

Stogiannis has been part of GM for almost 25-years, working through a variety of ever-increasingly senior roles including her present position of Director of the recently established GMSV business. 

“Since starting in the automotive industry, I’ve seen a shift from being one of the only women in the room to a place where we have greater diversity and balance," said Stogiannis. 

“Pleasingly, GM encourages and supports women on our journey through the business and affords the same opportunities to everyone as part of the corporation’s aspiration to be the most inclusive company in the world.” 

GM is led by Mary Barra, the first female CEO of a major automotive company, who has held the position since 2014. 

“Mary Barra is an inspiration to women all around the world, not just for those of us employed at GM,” said Stogiannis. 

“She is an example of what can be achieved and is evidence that, when it comes to getting a job done, gender is no barrier to success.” 

For 2021, the theme of International Women’s Day is ‘Choose to Challenge.’ 

“While female representation in automotive is improving, there is still plenty of scope to challenge the status quo,” said Stogiannis. 

“To use an auto analogy and something close to our Corvette hearts – as females in the auto industry – we’re only just now moving through first and second gear and are yet to hit top speed.  There’s plenty more left in the tank when it comes to gender equality, we’re not stopping yet.”