Evolution of leadership in the automotive industry

Mariana Silveria Lavigne, chief marketing officer of Stellantis Mexico and head of the FIAT brand in Mexico, emphasized that today’s automotive industry is promoting the development of more collaborative, empathetic, and adaptable professionals.

During the Expansion Mujeres Summit 2026, Silveira noted that “companies need people who know how to connect, work across departments, and accelerate organizational transformation,” adding that, in industries historically dominated by men, the traditional concept of “building a career” has begun to be redefined.

In the past, professional success was associated with long-term tenure at a single company and a rigid hierarchical structure that fostered operations under highly compartmentalized departments.

In contrast, today the rapid pace of market evolution requires more agile connections between teams and processes. As a result, the skills most valued by automotive corporations are related to adaptability, curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to interact with different areas, moving away from the habit of working in silos—that is, in isolation.

For many years, there was a perception that women had to adopt authoritarian leadership styles to advance. However, today’s most competitive companies seek to combine results with emotional intelligence, empathy, and communication skills.

Finally, Silveira emphasized that the evolution of female talent represents a significant opportunity for companies, beyond the automotive sector. In her view, being more human, collaborative, and flexible will be key to addressing the challenges of the future business landscape.