The EV industry is experiencing rapid growth, with global sales increasing from 1 million in 2017 to more than 13 million in 2023, accounting for 1.4% and 18%, respectively. The expansion has created new opportunities and challenges, with women playing an increasingly critical role both as industry professionals and consumers.
Women are making significant contributions across the EV sector, from engineering breakthroughs to leadership positions.
In the consumer space, women hold 49% of driving licences and have more disposable wealth and independence than ever. Their purchasing decisions are shaping the EV market, driving innovation in design and functionality.
However, challenges remain. Women still only make up 25% of the automotive industry workforce. As the EV industry continues to evolve, women's involvement as both professionals and consumers is crucial in driving innovation, sustainability and inclusivity in the sector.
This week, EV Magazine explores the top 10 women shaping the EV sector from within.
10 | Fredrika Klarén
Company: Polestar
Position: Head of Sustainability
Revenue: US$1.45m
Employees: 2,500
Fredrika Klarén is a key figure in advancing sustainability within the EV market. She leads the Polestar 0 project at Polestar, aiming to produce a climate-neutral car by 2030. She drives collaboration with global partners to innovate sustainable manufacturing solutions while advocating for transparency in vehicle carbon footprints.
Under her leadership, Polestar has reduced emissions in materials production. Recognised as a top industry leader, Fredrika's work positions Polestar at the forefront of sustainable EV manufacturing, setting new standards for environmental responsibility and corporate transparency.
9 | Julia Pallé
Company: Formula E
Position: Vice President, Sustainability
Revenue: US$237.9m
Employees: 409
Julia Pallé is a key figure in the EV industry, driving sustainability as Vice President of Sustainability at Formula E. Since the championship's inception, she has led initiatives that position Formula E as a leader in sustainable motorsports. Under her leadership, it became the first sport certified as net zero carbon and set industry benchmarks for emissions reduction.
Beyond the environmental impact, Pallé champions diversity through the Girls on Track initiative, promoting gender equality in motorsports. Her work advances EV adoption and shapes the future of sustainable and inclusive electric racing.
8 | Thuy Le
Company: VinFast
Position: Chair of the Board of Directors
Revenue: US$7.5bn
Employees: 13,000
Thuy Le is a key figure in the EV industry, driving the company's global expansion and transition to 100% electric production. Previously serving as Global CEO, she played a pivotal role in VinFast's entry into markets like the US, Canada and Europe and its public listing on NASDAQ.
With a strong financial background, she has helped position VinFast as a rising EV manufacturer despite market challenges, pushing forward ambitious growth targets and global sustainability initiatives.
7 | Clara Ingen-Housz
Company: Stellantis
Position: EVP Global Corporate Affairs & Communications
Revenue: US$19.5bn
Employees: 248,000
Clara Ingen-Housz plays a crucial role in Stellantis' transition to electric mobility. Since joining in 2024, she has driven the company's strategic messaging, aligning it with sustainability goals outlined in the Dare Forward 2030 plan, which aims for carbon net-zero mobility by 2038. Her leadership in merging corporate affairs and communications has strengthened stakeholder engagement and streamlined decision-making.
With a global legal background, she supports Stellantis' EV expansion, reinforcing its position as a key player in the EV industry.
6 | Geraldine Ingham
Company: Range Rover (part of JLR)
Position: Global Managing Director
Revenue: US$36.8bn
Employees: 40,000 globally
Geraldine Ingham is at the forefront of Range Rover's transition to electrification, guiding the brand's strategy since April 2023. She oversees the development and marketing of Range Rover's electric and hybrid models, ensuring the brand remains a leader in the luxury EV market. With extensive experience in automotive marketing at Volkswagen and Nissan, she has played a key role in promoting electric mobility.
Her leadership reinforces Range Rover's commitment to sustainability, positioning it to shape the future of premium electric SUVs in an evolving industry.
5 | Aseko Hoshino
Company: Nissan Motor Corporation
Position: Executive Vice President
Revenue: US$66.1bn
Employees: 133,500
Since 2019, Asako Hoshino has played a vital role in Nissan's electric vehicle strategy. She oversees global marketing, sales and customer experience, ensuring the successful promotion and adoption of Nissan's EV lineup. Hoshino leads the connected car services division, a key component of modern electric mobility and chairs Nissan's management committee for the Japan-ASEAN region, shaping EV strategies in these markets.
Her leadership reinforces Nissan's commitment to electrification, positioning the company as a key player in the global EV transition.
4 | Eva Wiess
Company: Mercedes Benz
Position: Chair of Mercedes Benz Customer Solutions
Revenue: US$153.2
Employees: 175,000
Eva Wiese plays a key role in shaping Mercedes Benz's EV strategy. Leading customer-focused innovations, she oversees the development of digital services and tailored solutions to enhance the EV ownership experience.
Her leadership supports Mercedes-Benz's transition to electrification, ensuring seamless integration of customer needs with the company's broader sustainability goals. With extensive expertise in automotive customer relations, Eva contributes to advancing Mercedes-Benz's position in the evolving EV market.
3 | Annette Baumeister
Company: BMW
Position: Head of Colour and Material Design
Revenue: US$163bn
Employees: 155,000
Annette Baumeister plays a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetics of BMW's EV lineup. Her expertise influences key EV models, including the BMW i7 and Vision Neue Klasse concept, ensuring innovative and sustainable design solutions.
With a career spanning over two decades, she has led advancements in paintwork, upholstery and materials that enhance EV appeal. Annette's visionary approach helps BMW differentiate its electric models, reinforcing the brand's commitment to premium, forward-thinking design in the evolving EV market.
2 | Lisa Drake
Company: Ford Motor Company
Position: Vice President, Model e Industrialisation
Revenue: US$185m
Employees: 177,000
Ford's Lisa Drake plays a key role in its EV transition. Since March 2022, she has led the large-scale development and production of Ford's EV lineup, ensuring the company's competitive edge in electrification. With expertise in manufacturing engineering and supply chain management, Lisa streamlines EV production while driving innovation in Ford's hybrid and battery-electric vehicle strategy.
Her extensive career at Ford, spanning nearly three decades, includes leadership in engineering, product development and purchasing. She advanced hybrid and plug-in hybrid technologies, influencing key models like the Fusion Hybrid and Lincoln MKZ Hybrid. Recognised for her industry contributions, Lisa's leadership in EV industrialisation is central to Ford's efforts in scaling sustainable mobility solutions.
1 | Mary Barra
Company: General Motors
Position: CEO of General Motors
Revenue: US$171.5bn
Employees: 163,000
Mary Barra leads GM's ambitious shift toward an all-electric future. Under her leadership, GM is committed to phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. Mary has driven significant investments in EV and autonomous vehicle technology, reinforcing GM's vision of "zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion."
Her influence extends beyond GM, inspiring the broader automotive industry to accelerate electrification. With a career spanning four decades, Mary has held key leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Global Product Development. She has successfully navigated industry challenges while championing innovation and diversity.
Recognised as a transformative leader, her commitment to sustainability and inclusion positions GM as a frontrunner in the evolving EV market.
Stay informed and inspired with the EV Magazine community by signing up for our free weekly newsletter. Each week, receive in your inbox the latest industry news and in-depth insights into the world of electric vehicles, sustainability and cutting-edge innovations
Subscribe now, don’t miss the opportunity to stay ahead in the fast-evolving EV industry.
EV Magazine is a BizClik brand.
