Breaking Barriers in Engineering Leadership: Isotta Cerri at Toyota Motor Europe

Inspirational Role Model Feature | Women Automotive Network

At the Women Automotive Network , we’re proud to spotlight women driving change, innovation, and inclusion across the industry. Our Inspirational Role Model  series celebrates professionals whose journeys inspire others to grow, lead, and make an impact proving that every path into automotive is unique, and every story matters.

In this edition, we feature Isotta Cerri, Head of the Material Engineering Division at Toyota Motor Europe whose career bridges advanced research and real-world impact, combining clean emission technologies, sustainable material innovation, and a bold commitment to closing the gender gap in engineering and automotive leadership.

Above: Isotta Cerri, Head of Material Engineering at Toyota Motor Europe

Can you tell us a little about you, your background and how you got started in the automotive industry?

I’m a chemical engineer by training with a PhD in clean emission technologies and have spent my career driving advanced research into practical, scalable solutions. At Toyota Motor Europe, I found an organisation with principles I truly value where I can contribute to advancing sustainable mobility. While developing new solutions, particularly related to the fuel cell program, I had the opportunity to publish scientific papers, secure patents and help shape research programs and technological roadmaps for governmental authorities.

What is your current role, and what are your primary responsibilities within your organisation?

Today, as Head of the Material Engineering Division, I lead sustainable material development for European vehicles and research into next-generation clean technologies including fuel cells, batteries, photovoltaics, electrolysers and carbon capture and conversion solutions.

Who has been a source of inspiration and support for you, and how did they empower you to reach your goals?

Throughout my personal growth, I've been fortunate to receive guidance and encouragement from remarkable women. Growing up in a family where women took on many roles, I gained the benefit of their varied viewpoints and strengths. My grandmother, a simple woman, taught me effective ways to resolve conflicts and wisely manage my energy. My mother’s emotional insight helped me better understand others and navigate different situations. Additionally, my aunt inspired me with her confidence and tenacity as a business owner, demonstrating how determination can lead to impressive achievements.

In my professional journey, a university professor fostered intellectual curiosity and innovation, balancing high expectations with approachability. Subsequently, my manager at Toyota demonstrated trust in my abilities, offering responsibilities and opportunities that facilitated growth and visibility within the organization.

I learned something valuable from each person, and also what to stay mindful of in myself under pressure: how to stay firm without becoming rigid, confident without becoming over-certain, ambitious without losing empathy, and conscious of biases and power dynamics.  

Those lessons have shaped my approach to leadership: passionate yet rational, determined and resilient, and consistently authentic and compassionate. 

What inspired you to take on a leadership role in advocating for diversity and equality in the automotive industry?

Decades have passed since my studies, yet so little has changed. Few women choose engineering, and even fewer enter the automotive industry. After 30 years, I still find myself often as the only woman in the room, and that is simply unacceptable.

The gender gap at every level, especially in leadership, cannot be justified. Without bold, concrete action, progress will remain painfully slow.

I dream of a better world for the people around me: my daughters, my colleagues, and the next generation, a world where equality is the norm. This is not just a moral imperative, it is a business imperative because I believe that diversity fuels innovation, resilience, and growth. Closing the gender gap is both the right thing to do and a company strategy.

What keeps you motivated and driven, even during challenging times?

My motivation intensifies during challenging times; it is the difficulty itself that drives me forward. Having faced obstacles since childhood, I have learned that confidence and determination enable us to overcome anything. My aunt exemplified this resilience when she successfully managed her business despite being left alone with two young daughters, we persevered together as a family.

Myself, I see resilience both about that determination and the ability to maintain clarity and caring for the people even when under pressure.  I truly believe that women in leadership do more than oversee projects or organisations; we drive transformation and shape the future. When women assume leadership roles, we become catalysts for meaningful change, impacting not only our teams but also everyone around us.

How do you support and empower other women in your organisation to achieve their career goals?

I support gender diversity at Toyota by mentoring, sponsoring, and coaching, and by co-founding the Gender Diversity Network Employee Relations group in 2019. I also contribute to STEM initiatives for young students and present my team's technical work at major conferences, where diversity of thought is increasingly valued. Additionally, I promote work-life balance, flexible working, and equal access to project opportunities by addressing affinity bias and ensuring opportunities are open to all. With these intentional actions towards women’s development and sponsorship, I am proud to see the impact in my division, where we achieved about 40% women representation. This exemplifies how change is possible when we act consistently. 

What initiatives or programs within your company have been particularly effective in supporting women in mid-management?

The people in my company are committed to diversity, meaningful change, and building a better workplace. Many have worked together to launch initiatives that support gender parity, such as training, networking, mentoring, and advocacy. What helps most towards achieving gender parity is access – Sponsorship, mentoring, and networking – that make opportunities visible and attainable. When women in mid-management get both guidance/training and sponsorship, they build confidence faster and can be ready to take on broader roles. 

I am grateful for my colleagues' dedication and proud to work in an environment that values inclusivity and diverse perspectives. Together, we are advocating towards a more equitable industry, where each contribution is recognised and celebrated. 

How do you inspire your team and peers to embrace diversity and drive inclusive practices?

At Toyota, I lead with a focus on Respect for People, valuing diverse perspectives and fostering psychological safety so everyone can contribute. By building diverse teams, we gain fresh insights that improve problem-solving and performance. I encourage open dialogue, view mistakes as learning opportunities, and connect inclusion to Toyota’s mission of “Mobility for All,” ensuring our designs meet real needs, every customer and support continuous innovation

How do you unwind after a busy day?

After work, I handle family responsibilities like cooking and cleaning, but I always make time for myself, whether it’s sports, movies, or hobbies. Lately, I’ve been trying new recipes inspired by TikTok and Instagram reels, using a home fitness setup for workouts any time, and getting back into watercolour painting for a fresh challenge.

What’s a quote that has inspired you?

My approach to leadership is based on the belief that true leaders use their influence to create opportunities for others, enabling us to accomplish greater things together as a team.