Aston Martin president to deliver keynote address

Aston Martin’s president of Americas Laura Schwab will deliver the keynote speech at Autocar’s Great British Women in the Car Industry – Rising Stars event, which will be held in London on 19 June.

Schwab was appointed Aston Martin’s first ever female president of Americas in 2015, having joined the firm from Jaguar Land Rover, where she worked for more than 15 years, holding senior roles in marketing, communications and sales operations.

She will kickstart the afternoon event with the opening address, reflecting on the challenges she has faced and overcome, balancing motherhood and a career and offering advice to the Autocar Rising Stars in attendance.

She said, ‘The auto industry is full of creativity and innovation, now more than ever. As one of its few female leaders, I’d always eyed the corner office, but never had a woman to look upon for inspiration.

‘I’m humbled at the prospect of presenting to the future of the business – women with proven track records, and commitment to rising through the ranks. I have never considered myself as a role model, but I hope I am evidence that women across the car industry can lead. The automotive industry is a wonderful place to be and an inspiring and exciting environment to work – and it will be even more so if its workforce reflects the diversity of society.’

Further presentations and panel debates will take place throughout the afternoon, ahead of an Awards ceremony recognising the top 100 nominees and the winners from each area of the industry. Full details of the speaker line-up will be revealed in due course.