Recognizing Champions of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Automotive Industry

As a trailblazer in the automotive industry, Bergmeier has been honored as an Autocar Driver of Change for her outstanding contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within Jaguar Land Rover (JLR). Her dedication to improving the recruitment, development, and progression of black, African, and Caribbean women at JLR earned her the title of Exceptional Leader by JLR’s Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage Network.

Bergmeier’s latest initiative, the Automotive Women and Allies scheme, is a series of events aimed at empowering women from all corners of the automotive industry to lead the charge in driving the industry forward.

The panel of judges for the Drivers of Change award also recognized five individuals as highly commended Drivers of Change for their exceptional efforts in advancing DEI and fostering positive change within the industry:

Warren Richards, Head of Direct Sales at Audi UK

Richards has been instrumental in championing gender equality and fostering an inclusive culture at Volkswagen Group UK. Through his efforts in supporting DEI initiatives, mentoring colleagues, and advocating for minority groups, Richards has played a pivotal role in achieving a 46% female workforce at VW Group UK and securing Inclusive Employers Standard Gold accreditation in 2023.

Jaskirat Singh, Sustainability Strategy and Steering Manager at BMW Group

As a passionate advocate for inclusion, Singh has been a driving force behind BMW Group UK’s DEI initiatives. From co-founding a mentoring program for local schools to organizing events for Black History Month and promoting mental health awareness in South Asian communities, Singh has made a lasting impact. He also serves as the co-chair of the Embrace DEI network group and leads the production of a thought-provoking ‘Unplugged’ video series.

Lisa Rowles, Global HR Strategy Director at Horiba MIRA

Rowles is a key member of Horiba MIRA’s senior leadership team, where she plays a crucial role in driving transformation in people and culture. Her dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce has been instrumental in shaping the company’s DEI initiatives.