Cultivating People, Partnerships and Progress: Sharon Ernest at PPG

Inspirational Role Model Feature | Women Automotive Network

At the Women Automotive Network, we are proud to spotlight the women whose careers, leadership, and lived experience are shaping the automotive industry for the better. Our Inspirational Role Model series celebrates the professionals whose journeys offer a roadmap for the next generation of women entering and rising through the sector.

In this edition, we feature Sharon Ernest, Global Account Director, Automotive Coatings at PPG. With a career spanning research and development, engineering, and global commercial leadership across tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers, Sharon brings a powerful blend of technical depth, commercial insight, and a long held commitment to opening pathways for women in engineering.

Above: Sharon Ernest, Global Account Director, Automotive Coatings at PPG

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

Upon graduating with a degree in Chemical Engineering, I sought opportunities that would provide broad exposure across various locations and industries, which led me to pursue rotational development programs. During my second assignment, I was placed at a factory specialising in automotive lighting, and that experience sparked my passion for the automotive industry.

I was drawn to the fast paced environment, the direct and ongoing engagement with customers, and most importantly the rewarding experience of seeing the products my team and I helped develop actively used on the road. Since then, I have dedicated my career to the automotive sector, working for several tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers. Beginning in research and development, I have progressively advanced through nearly every functional area, continually moving closer to the customer with each step.

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

I serve as a Global Account Director at PPG, where I oversee commercial performance and cultivate strategic relationships with key customers worldwide. In addition, I hold the position of President of the global alliance between PPG and Kansai Paint, leading collaborative initiatives to drive mutual growth and innovation.

How do you manage work life balance while pursuing career advancement in a demanding industry like automotive?

For me, the distinction between “work” and “life” has never been a clear line; rather, it has always been a seamless blend. I met my husband at work nearly 30 years ago, and since we both share a passion for the automotive industry, we have always enjoyed discussing our successes and supporting each other through challenges.

Our shared enthusiasm has extended to our family life as well. We have involved our children in our love for the industry, for example by taking them to automotive museums. Over the years, we have spent countless moments as a family noticing and discussing various projects we have contributed to. Today, our adult son is continuing the legacy as an engineer in the automotive sector, while our daughter is currently pursuing a path in the medical industry, though we will see what the future holds.

When you truly love what you do, the need for a strict separation between work and life diminishes. While this approach may not suit everyone, it has worked exceptionally well for me.

“When you truly love what you do, the need for a strict separation between work and life diminishes.”

— Sharon Ernest, Global Account Director, Automotive Coatings, PPG

How have mentors and sponsors played a role in your career, and how do you recommend finding and cultivating these relationships?

I have been incredibly fortunate to benefit from the guidance of several outstanding mentors throughout my career. Some of these mentors were my managers, others I connected with through formal mentoring programs, and a few I proactively sought out because they possessed expertise in areas where I wanted to grow.

Equally valuable has been the learning I gained from those I have mentored, which deepened my understanding of what it takes to be the best company we can be, and reinforced the critical importance of fostering a strong culture and continuous learning opportunities.

A particularly impactful example of sponsorship came from my boss shortly after I had my first child. At that time, I was struggling to balance my baby’s feeding schedule with a full workday and asked if a part time schedule might be possible for a few months. He took the time to consider my request and later explained that he was concerned a formal part time arrangement could negatively impact my career progression. Instead, he encouraged me to work as much as I felt comfortable, assuring me that he would support and accommodate my needs.

This simple yet powerful act of flexibility was immensely helpful and fostered a deep sense of loyalty and commitment on my part. He often humbly insists that he was simply doing what was best for the team overall, but for me, it was a true win win that exemplified the value of thoughtful sponsorship.

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

I am motivated by a steadfast commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes, continuously learning, and cultivating strong relationships throughout the journey. I have found that the most meaningful relationships and the fastest learning often emerge during challenging times.

I remind myself and those around me that challenges present valuable opportunities to strengthen connections and demonstrate our dedication to acting as true, supportive partners in driving positive change. In difficult moments, everything is amplified, the stakes, the emotions, and the impact, which makes it all the more important to stay focused, resilient, and collaborative.

What innovative initiatives have you seen that are making strides towards gender equality in the automotive sector?

I believe that fostering gender equality in the automotive industry begins with encouraging young girls who have an interest and aptitude for engineering, assuring them that they can succeed in this field. Expanding the pool of female candidates is essential to creating a more balanced and diverse workforce.

I believe engineering is an excellent career choice for women, especially those who plan to have children, because it offers the opportunity to start with a strong salary immediately after graduation and allows time to establish oneself professionally before starting a family. Moreover, engineering serves as a versatile foundation for a wide range of career paths.

Early in my career, I was a founding member of my location’s Women in Science & Engineering group, where we focused on outreach to middle school students, both girls and boys, to inspire the next generation. I am particularly proud that half of my team were men who were deeply committed to demonstrating how women and men collaborate as equals on engineering teams. This inclusive approach not only promotes gender equality but also helps to build a culture of mutual respect and partnership within the industry.

How do you respond to those who say the automotive industry is still a “man’s world”?

Women account for approximately 62% of all new car purchases in the U.S. and directly influence over 85% of automotive buying decisions. To effectively capitalise on this significant market segment, it is essential for automotive OEMs and their suppliers to deeply understand the preferences and needs of these consumers and ensure that their vehicles meet those expectations.

Achieving this level of insight and responsiveness is only possible when the industry embraces diversity that reflects its customer base, fostering inclusive teams that bring varied perspectives to the design, development, and marketing of vehicles.

How do you unwind after a busy day?

To unwind, I enjoy attending concerts with friends and family. Those who don’t know me well are often surprised to learn that I’m at my happiest right in the middle of a mosh pit, fully immersed in the energy of live music. Additionally, I have a passion for planning and experiencing travel, whether for personal enjoyment or work related opportunities, as it allows me to recharge and gain fresh perspectives.

What’s a quote that has inspired you?

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”, John Quincy Adams