From Curiosity to Compliance: Zoe Allen’s Journey at Kia UK

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 spoke with Zoe Allen, Legal and Compliance Manager at Kia UK, whose curiosity, determination, and drive for fairness have shaped a career rooted in integrity, growth, and advocacy.

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

I’ve always been someone who is curious, determined and driven by challenge — qualities that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. I didn’t necessarily set out to work in the automotive sector, but it has provided me with success and opportunities throughout my career.

I started in the industry working for a third-party supplier - I was heading to Germany for a year’s study, and I had the chance to spend the summer beforehand in a team working with German dealers. This gave me the ideal opportunity to practice and be surrounded by the language before getting on the plane as a young student.

I’ve always gravitated toward environments where I could grow, make a difference, and push boundaries, and I returned to the same company following the completion of my degree, taking on roles in Operations, Account Management and Project Management. These experiences provided an excellent foundation for when I joined Kia UK in 2013 as Business Analysis Manager.

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

My current role is Legal and Compliance Manager with a primary focus on Commercial Agreements and Data Protection. I moved into this area in 2018 when GDPR was introduced in the UK, and my role, interest and knowledge has grown from there.

I work in partnership with my colleagues across the business – protecting the business legally, enabling commercial success and reinforcing a culture of trust and integrity.

What is the hardest truth young women entering this field need to hear?

Nobody cares about your career as much as you do. Whilst there will be support for young women to achieve their goals, the drive and motivation to achieve needs to originate with the women themselves.

This may mean taking on extra projects or training outside the scope of the job role, venturing into unfamiliar territory or taking career steps that might not be the dream move. It’s about creating and embracing new opportunities, being brave with conversations and actions and not waiting for nor expecting a career to happen without the individual themselves moving it forward.

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

I have strong female role models in my family – my nan always told compelling stories of change and progression (and was something of a rebel), and my mum proudly tells of when she stood in front of an appeal board of senior male executives arguing that secretarial skills should be recognised and graded above non-skilled roles.

My leadership role stems from that desire for fairness — ensuring an equitable chance to lead is available to women, advocating that the strengths women have are recognised as talent, and bringing attention to stereotyping that negatively affects women’s potential.

Being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated environment isn’t always easy, but it's made me even more committed to mentoring others, breaking down barriers, and helping to create a more diverse and empowered industry. I believe our voices bring essential perspectives, and I’m proud to be part of a growing movement that’s redefining what leadership in automotive looks like.

How do you continue to grow and develop yourself professionally?

I love to learn new things; sometimes I have to stop myself diving into something new while I’m busy spinning many other plates, but as I sit here, I already know what I want to learn next!

I really appreciate people sharing their expertise and knowledge – in whatever their chosen subject might be. I have chosen to study alongside my role at Kia UK – taking exams in Law, Data Protection, People Management and Project Management - and I recently achieved a First-class Law degree from the Open University to add to the International Business degree I gained at university when I was younger.

I gain strength by bringing academic foundations into real life and I aim to start each year with more to offer than the last.

Thank you to Zoe Allen for sharing her story, insights, and inspiration as part of our Inspirational Role Model series.