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Rising Talent Feature | Women Automotive Network
At the Women Automotive Network, we spotlight rising talent driving innovation and inclusion across the global mobility ecosystem. Our Rising Talent series highlights professionals whose journeys reflect resilience, growth, and the future of automotive.
In this edition, we feature Claudette Bashi, Senior Account Executive at S&P Global Mobility, whose career spans engineering, portfolio planning, business development, and strategic sales across the automotive and mobility sectors.
Can you tell us a little about you, your background and how you got started in the automotive industry?
I’m Claudette Bashi, proudly born and raised in the Motor City. With over 20 years of experience spanning engineering, portfolio planning, business development, and strategic sales, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to growth and innovation across the automotive and mobility sectors. My career has been defined by a commitment to building strong partnerships with OEMs and Tier suppliers, and by translating complex technical and market insights into meaningful customer value.
I began my journey in the industry at DaimlerChrysler (now Stellantis) in 2001 as an intern while pursuing my undergraduate degree in Marketing at Wayne State University. That opportunity evolved into a full-time role, and over the next 15 years, I advanced through various positions in business development, engineering, product and portfolio planning, and sales strategy—supporting both domestic and international markets. During this time, I also earned a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University, balancing full-time work with continued education.
My background blends market intelligence, technical collaboration, and consultative sales—allowing me to help customers navigate challenges and achieve measurable outcomes in cost, performance, and sustainability. I’ve always been driven by a passion for innovation, connecting people, and delivering operational excellence.
After my time at FCA (Stellantis), I transitioned to the supplier side at Nemak, a global leader in lightweighting. In my role leading North America sales planning, I worked closely with advanced engineering and commercial teams to bring sustainable, innovative solutions to market—supporting customers through the evolving landscape of electrification, mobility, and manufacturing.
Today, I serve as a Senior Account Executive at S&P Global Mobility (formerly IHS Markit / Polk), where I act as a trusted advisor to supply chain partners. My approach is rooted in consultative sales—built on trust, collaboration, transparency, and data-driven insights. I help customers make strategic decisions that shape the future of mobility.
Beyond my professional role, I’m deeply committed to advancing women in automotive and promoting inclusive leadership. I’m honored to serve on the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation Board Committee, and I’m an active partner of the Women Automotive Network, and a member of the Women’s Initiative for Networking & Success.
Supporting the next generation of female leaders is a mission close to my heart—especially as our industry continues to transform through electrification, digitalization, and sustainability. I believe that diverse perspectives and inclusive leadership are essential to driving innovation and shaping the future of mobility.
At the core of my career is a simple purpose: to create impact—through insight, collaboration, and partnership. I’m inspired every day by the innovation shaping the mobility landscape and honored to contribute to its evolution as part of the rising talent in our industry.
Born and raised in Detroit, Claudette’s career has been shaped by the city’s deep roots in automotive innovation and manufacturing.
What is your current role, and what are your primary responsibilities within your organisation?
I currently serve as a Senior Account Executive at S&P Global Mobility, where I lead strategic growth initiatives across more than 100 OEM Tier supplier, and mobility accounts for North America and global accounts.
In this role, I act as a trusted advisor to automotive leaders, helping them navigate industry transformation through data-driven insights, market intelligence, and technology solutions that support vehicle development, electrification, and connected mobility. My focus is on cultivating long-term partnerships that deliver measurable results in cost, performance, and sustainability.
Day-to-day, I collaborate closely with our consulting, data science, and product management teams to deliver tailored solutions aligned with each client’s strategic objectives. I oversee a broad and diverse portfolio—driving revenue growth, strengthening customer retention, and identifying whitespace opportunities across emerging market segments.
My work spans critical domains including vehicle forecasting, supply chain and technology, with a focus on propulsion systems, battery, chassis, autonomy, connectivity, E/E architectures, semiconductors, and software-defined vehicles. These areas are central to the industry’s transition toward electrified, intelligent, and sustainable mobility.
At the heart of my role is a commitment to elevating how we serve our clients and advancing the mobility ecosystem toward a smarter, more connected, and sustainable future.
S&P Global Mobility provides data, insights, and forecasting that help organisations navigate electrification, supply chain transformation, and the future of connected mobility.
Who has been a source of inspiration and support for you, and how did they empower you to reach your goals?
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by exceptional mentors, coaches, leaders, friends, family, and peers who have shaped my professional journey in meaningful ways. Among them, the most enduring source of inspiration has been the strong women and allies within the automotive industry, individuals who lead with authenticity, resilience, and purpose.
From my early days at DaimlerChrysler (now Stellantis) to my current role at S&P Global Mobility, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside leaders who not only modeled excellence but also empowered me to find my voice, take bold risks, and embrace continuous growth. Their guidance taught me that success is not solely defined by outcomes—it’s also about how you uplift others and the value you bring to your organization and community.
I draw tremendous inspiration from the women I’ve connected with through the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation, Women Automotive Network, and the Women’s Initiative for Networking & Success. These communities have been instrumental in strengthening my confidence, providing a platform to lead with purpose, mentor emerging talent, and champion inclusion across our industry.
Their encouragement continues to fuel my drive not only to achieve my own goals but also to create opportunities for others, especially women and underrepresented voices, to thrive in automotive. I truly believe that when one of us rises, we all rise together! That spirit of collective empowerment is what continues to move our industry forward.
How do you handle situations where your contributions may be undervalued or overlooked?
In any career—especially within fast-paced, highly competitive industries like automotive and mobility—there are moments when contributions may not receive immediate recognition. When that happens, I choose to focus on impact over visibility and lead through results.
I’ve learned that the most effective way to navigate these situations is by staying grounded, confident, and proactive. I prioritize clear communication of outcomes, aligning my work with organizational goals, and consistently demonstrating the measurable value I bring—whether through revenue growth, strategic partnerships, or customer success.
I also believe strongly in self-advocacy and advocacy for others. Rather than viewing being overlooked as a setback, I see it as an opportunity to refine how I share my story, highlight collaboration, and help others recognize the broader impact of our collective efforts. Over time, consistent performance and integrity speak louder than titles or moments of recognition.
Equally important is surrounding myself with trusted mentors, coaches, allies, and diverse perspectives who offer honest feedback and guidance. These relationships help me stay focused on long-term growth rather than short-term validation.
Ultimately, I measure success not just by recognition, but by the outcomes I drive, the people I empower, and the relationships I build. Recognition is meaningful—but purpose, consistency, and results are what truly sustain a career.
What keeps you motivated and driven, even during challenging times?
What keeps me motivated even during the most challenging times is my deep passion for the automotive industry and the incredible opportunity it offers to shape the future of mobility.
I’m continually inspired by how our industry evolves through innovation, resilience, and collaboration. That constant transformation fuels my drive to keep growing, learning, and finding new ways to create value. The pace of change in automotive pushes me to stay curious and agile, always seeking to contribute meaningfully to the next chapter of mobility.
I’m also driven by purpose and people. Whether it’s partnering with customers to solve complex challenges, mentoring emerging talent, or helping organizations navigate change, I find energy in the connections I build and the impact I make. Every relationship and project remind me why I love what I do—because at its core, automotive is about progress, teamwork, and vision.
During difficult moments, I lean into a growth mindset, viewing challenges as opportunities to strengthen resilience and leadership. I remind myself that the toughest experiences often lead to the greatest breakthroughs. Staying adaptable, maintaining perspective, and focusing on long-term impact help me move forward with confidence and clarity.
Finally, I draw immense motivation from the community of women and allies in automotive who inspire me every day. Through networks like the Automotive Women’s Alliance Foundation, Women Automotive Network, and the Women’s Initiative for Networking & Success, I see the power of collective support and shared ambition. Knowing that my work contributes not only to business success but also to opening doors for others keeps me driven to lead with purpose.
What do you think is holding the automotive industry back from achieving true gender parity?
While the automotive industry has made meaningful strides in advancing diversity and inclusion, achieving true gender parity remains an ongoing challenge. Historically, this has been a male-dominated field, and the lingering effects of legacy culture, unconscious bias, and limited representation in technical and executive leadership roles continue to slow the pace of progress.
One of the key barriers is the talent pipeline, particularly in STEM and technical disciplines, where women remain significantly underrepresented. Encouraging more young women to pursue careers in engineering, manufacturing, and mobility technology is essential to building a more balanced and inclusive future workforce.
Equally important is the need for organizations to create environments where women not only enter the industry but are retained, developed, and promoted. This requires intentional mentorship, visible sponsorship from senior leaders, flexible workplace policies, and a culture that values diverse perspectives in decision-making.
True gender parity will be achieved when inclusion becomes embedded in the DNA of every organization, not just treated as an initiative. The good news is that many companies, associations, and resource groups are actively driving this transformation forward.
As someone deeply involved in women in automotive affiliations, I’ve seen firsthand the power of community, mentorship, and allyship in accelerating progress. These networks foster confidence, amplify voices, and create pathways for leadership.
The industry is evolving—but to reach true equity, we must continue to challenge outdated norms, celebrate diverse leadership, and ensure women have an equal seat at the table across every level of the automotive value chain.
How do you respond to those who say the automotive industry is still a "man's world"?
I acknowledge that the automotive industry has historically been male dominated but I also emphasize the meaningful progress underway and the growing momentum toward greater inclusion. Today, we’re seeing more women in leadership, engineering, and commercial roles, and I’m proud to be part of that shift.
Through my own experience leading cross-functional initiatives and collaborating with diverse teams, I’ve seen firsthand the value that inclusive perspectives bring to innovation and business success. I actively work to challenge outdated perceptions by fostering inclusion, mentoring emerging talent, and advocating for equitable opportunities both through my professional role and my involvement in women in automotive organizations.
Rather than viewing the “man’s world” narrative as a limitation, I see it as a call to action. It’s an opportunity to reshape the industry by demonstrating what’s possible when we lead with intention, elevate underrepresented voices, and build cultures where everyone can thrive.
The future of automotive is not defined by tradition—it’s defined by transformation. And that transformation must include diverse leadership, inclusive collaboration, and equal opportunity at every level.
Favourite business or leadership book?
Good to Great by Jim Collins
What’s your personal career motto?
Turning challenges into opportunities, with purpose and impact
Thank you to Claudette Bashi for sharing her story, insights, and leadership as part of our Rising Talent series.
We’d also like to thank S&P Global Mobility, a proud Corporate Member of the Women Automotive Network, for their continued commitment to fostering inclusion and opportunity across the automotive sector and our global community.
The Women Automotive Network connects over 50,000 professionals across the global mobility ecosystem — through summits, mentorship, insights, and partnerships that drive real progress.
About S&P Global Mobility
S&P Global Mobility is the trusted leader of automotive intelligence. They provide the most comprehensive data spanning the entire automotive lifecycle past, present and future and the largest, most experienced team of analysts and data scientists to make sense of it all.
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