Women@SIMI event celebrates 10-year milestone

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) recently hosted its 10th annual Women@SIMI event in conjunction with its sponsor Bank of Ireland, at the InterContinental in Co Dublin.

The event, which celebrates the extensive contributions made by women across the motor industry in Ireland, brought together 200 professional women from various sectors within the industry.

Mary Kennedy, master of ceremonies, welcomed an impressive panel of speakers, including Susan Russell, CEO of Retail Bank of Ireland, Helen Westby, managing director, BMW Group Ireland, and Geraldine Herbert, motoring editor and columnist.

The panel shared valuable insights into their careers, leadership, business, innovation, and their views on the future of work. Following the panel, guest speaker Dr. Maureen Gaffney, a distinguished psychologist and author, delivered a talk on resilience, understanding yourself, and female leadership.

As part of a sector review, SIMI carried out a survey of 120 women from across the industry to gather their perspectives before the event. Survey results found that almost two-thirds (62 per cent) of respondents have observed positive changes in the motor industry’s attitude towards women employees over the past three years.

Almost 70 per cent of respondents had seen an increase in the number of new female employees recruited.

While over half of respondents reported having the same opportunities for advancement as their male colleagues, SIMI says it is clear there is still scope for improvement.

Flexible working policies were ranked as the most supportive policy in respondents’ organisations. For the majority, these policies have had a positive impact on their working experience and career in the motor industry.

While not all organisations currently offer flexible arrangements, SIMI says this highlights an opportunity for the industry to extend these benefits more widely.

Emma Mitchell, operations director/company secretary at SIMI said: “Since the event’s inauguration, the industry has experienced enormous changes, Brexit, Covid, Government policy changes, VRT restructuring, and a transformation in the types of vehicles on our roads, from 73 per cent of new registrations being diesel in 2014, compared with just 17 per cent today.

“While BEVs have grown from less than one per cent to 18 per cent. These challenges are real, but so too are the opportunities to adapt and innovate.

“To ensure that our industry remains strong and resilient in the years ahead, we need a diverse workforce with greater female participation and opportunities in all our sectors. Although significant steps have been taken, there is room for improvement in organisation policies to recruit and retain employees.”

Karen Kennedy, senior sales and relationship manager – motor, corporate and commercial banking at Bank of Ireland, addressed attendees: “Bank of Ireland is proud to support Women@SIMI as it marks the 10th anniversary of driving progress and inclusion in the motor industry.

“Over the past decade, we’ve witnessed a powerful shift with more women stepping into leadership roles, shaping strategy, and redefining what’s possible. As a bank committed to equality and innovation, we’re honoured to stand beside SIMI in championing a more diverse and dynamic future for the industry.”

In conclusion, SIMI reminds us that it remains committed to promoting inclusion and empowerment within the motor industry.