1% and Proud: Victoria Gabriel’s Journey in Automotive Leadership

In a sector where representation still has a long way to go, voices like Victoria Gabriel’s are paving the way for real, lasting change. As one of the 1% of Black female leaders in the UK automotive industry, Victoria brings not only years of experience but also a clear commitment to lifting others as she rises. From championing diversity in leadership to mentoring the next generation, her journey is one of bold moves, resilience, and unapologetic authenticity.

We caught up with Victoria to hear more about her path into the automotive world, the challenges she’s overcome, and how she’s shaping a more inclusive future from the inside out. 

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

I’m Victoria Gabriel and I am proud to be one of the 1% of Black female leaders in the UK automotive industry. With over almost 17 years of experience, I began my journey as a Marketing graduate out of Aston University and in 2008 joined the Global Communications team at Jaguar Land Rover HQ. 

As a big fan of luxury goods and cars I made the bold decision to enter the automotive industry. An unusual space for women like me, yet here I am! Over the years my mission has been to create opportunities for more diverse and representative leadership teams across the automotive industry. 

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

As Global Communications Manager for Defender & Discovery, I lead an amazing team of creatives and production agencies to develop global marketing campaigns. My role encompasses strategic planning around how the Defender and Discovery brands show up among current and emerging target audiences. 

The content we create fulfils multiple channels and spans such a wide cultural spectrum no two days are the same. Our customers are constantly evolving, so my role does too. I am privileged to work with teams across the world, innovating together and constantly pushing boundaries in everything we deliver.

What obstacles have you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? 

When I entered the automotive industry I was excited at the potential opportunities to work abroad, travel, lead a team and transform a brand. Unfortunately, I joined at a time where the terms diversity, equity and inclusion didn’t even exist on corporate radar. I found the traditional automotive environment rigid, outdated and lacking in diversity. The biggest obstacle I faced was building trust. There were not many women in the business overall and there certainly weren’t any African Caribbean women in the Marketing Communications department. It became very apparent from the interactions I had internally and externally, that people just weren’t used to seeing people like me in spaces like this.

I had to work had to dispel the myths, stereotypes and unconscious biases, before I even got started on my actual day job.  Once I arrived for a business meeting at a well known 5 star luxury hotel in London. I could feel the confusion, I could see the cogs turning, What is she doing here? I announced who I was there to meet and was told, I must be in the wrong place they’re booked for a meeting with Victoria Gabriel from Jaguar Land Rover. You should have seen the look on his face when I told him, yes- that’s me!

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

I’ve always been an advocate for equality, and constantly try to educate others about the commercial and cultural benefits of diverse teams. 

In 2017 I started incorporating the D, E and I agenda into my role and encouraged my team to build stronger relationships with external organizations such as the IoD to engage more diverse female audience groups. 

In 2018 I co-founded our first employee network group advocating for ethnic diversity and representation, smashing through our milestones of signing the Race at Work Charter, and creating data driven employee development programs based on gender and ethnicity.

Currently I mentor women across the business to further their personal development. I have set up listening circles to create a safe space for women from diverse and ethnic backgrounds new to leadership to share experiences and learn from each other.

How do you challenge outdated mindsets and systemic biases within the industry?

I try not to think too long about what others think of me. I believe we all have an element of imposter syndrome, but I try to silence that inner voice as much as possible. People are resistant to change, so I put emphasis on the fact that when we try new things, make mistakes, do things differently that’s when we learn.

When I come across outdated mindsets and systemic bias I try to embrace those individuals, setting myself a personal challenge to open their eyes or at least show them a new perspective. 

How do you unwind after a busy day? 

After a busy day I unwind by listening to a podcast during my commute. I try to make it unrelated to work and more about my personal interests which are usually something creative such as world history, art, or international cuisine. 

What’s your personal career motto? 

Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.  

Victoria’s story is a powerful reminder that representation matters — and that by showing up, speaking out, and staying true to ourselves, we can reshape industries from within. Through her leadership, advocacy, and mentorship, she’s not only changing perceptions but opening doors for the women and girls who follow.

Victoria Gabriel Global Marketing Communications Manager JLR

Stay tuned for more spotlights on the women driving change across the automotive industry — one bold story at a time.