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A quiet transformation is taking place in the country’s automotive sector where women are beginning to assume senior management roles.
From 1 December, Rhodes University graduate Taryn Woodbridge takes up her position as the first female Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of Finance and Controlling at Mercedes Benz South Africa.
She succeeds Klaus Eser who began his career at Mercedes Benz in 1989 on an international Trainee Programme.
“Taryn brings on board vast industry experience and will certainly make an even greater impact within the business to ensure we continue with our strategic objectives,” he said.
Woodbridge, a qualified Chartered Accountant and Taxation Masters in Commerce graduate, joined MBSA in 2004.
In 2014, she was promoted to a senior management position responsible for Plant Accounting and Controlling.
“I look forward to immersing myself in the role and to further advance the strategic ambitions of Mercedes Benz South Africa,” she said.
Meanwhile, Isuzu Motors South Africa recently announced the appointment of Nobuhle Renqe as Department Executive for Corporate Planning, Strategy and Business Planning.
“She comes on board with extensive knowledge of the manufacturing industry and with a strong academic background which includes an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering qualification from Nelson Mandela University and an executive MBA from Brown University (USA) and IE Business School (Spain),” the company said.
Renqe, who joined IMSA from Toyota SA, said the department is fairly new but has ambitious and exciting plans to drive IMSA’s long-term vision.
“I am optimistic about the future of the African continent, and I believe that there is a great potential of becoming the next powerhouse in the automotive industry,” she said.
In August this year, Volkswagen Group South Africa announced the appointment of its first female Chairperson and Managing Director, Martina Biene, who succeeded Robert Cisek at the helm of the Kariega-based auto manufacturer.
She has been tasked with maintaining the company’s strong position in South Africa and to continue to pursue its plans to grow the brand in Sub-Saharan African markets.
Biene, who is no stranger to VWSA having worked here before, said South Africa could be the hub for developing the African automotive industry, but also leading other projects like in the renewable energy space.
"I truly believe in the potential of South Africa and of the whole of Africa. I think that is where we want to take the company.”
Picture: Martina Biene
