Why Partnerships Are Driving the Future of Automotive Innovation

In today’s fast-paced and complex automotive landscape, innovation no longer happens in isolation. As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that collaboration — both within and across sectors — has become a critical driver of progress and performance.

At the upcoming Women Automotive Summit: Detroit 2025, we’re shining a spotlight on the power of partnerships with a dedicated panel discussion:
“The Importance of Partnerships and Collaboration to Drive Industry Innovation.”

📍 Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi, MI
🕓 3rd June 2025, 16:20 – 17:20 

This panel will explore why collaboration is no longer a luxury — it’s a business imperative. Attendees will gain insight into how today’s most forward-thinking companies are working across organizational and industry boundaries to sharpen their strategies, increase agility, and accelerate results.

Meet the Panelists

The panel features an impressive line-up of experts who bring deep experience in shaping strategy, leading innovation, and building collaborative cultures:

• Cimi Thomas, Chief Information Security Officer, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Americas
• Rebecca Saletta, Alliance Lead, Corporate Strategy & Sustainability, American Honda Motor Co.
• Kelly York, Director, Customer Engineering, TE Connectivity
• Elena Yakushkina, Principal, Roland Berger

These leaders are proving that collaboration isn’t just a trend — it’s essential to navigating the evolving demands of the automotive and tech sectors. Their discussion will cover a range of timely topics, including:

- Why innovation thrives through strategic partnerships — especially when scale, speed, or specialist capabilities are needed

- Leveraging complementary strengths across and within sectors

- Understanding different audiences to create meaningful, results-driven collaboration

- Creating strong foundations for collaboration — with the right structure, governance, and internal alignment from the start

- Navigating cultural friction and legacy silos in automotive — and how mature    organizations embed partnership mindsets into leadership, operations, and growth strategies

“Think like a Manager, Act like a Technician, and Read like a Lawyer.”
“Balancing confidence with humility, and embracing continuous learning, enables us to lead, adapt, and collaborate effectively in such a fast-evolving environment,” says Cimi Thomas, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. 

Partnership in Action

“The power of partnership lies in shared ambition. When companies come together with openness and purpose, they create space for real innovation — not just in what they build, but in how they lead,”
says Stephanie May, Director at Women Automotive Network.

As the boundaries between technology, mobility, and sustainability continue to blur, the ability to form effective, values-driven partnerships has become a defining factor for long-term success. This panel promises a real-world look at how collaboration is shaping the future of our industry.

Don’t Miss Out

Join us in Detroit on 3rd June 2025 and be part of the conversation that’s redefining how we innovate and lead.

🕘 Secure your ticket before 16th May to reserve your place: Book Ticket