Applications open · 2027 cohort

The Women Automotive NetworkMentorship Program

Unlock your potential. Be matched with a senior leader from across the global automotive industry who has walked the path you are on — and grow your career, confidence and network in four focused months.

1,000+

Mentorship pairs since December 2021

169

Companies involved

96%

Say it furthered their career

4×

More likely to apply for a promotion

¾

Mentees go on to become mentors

New · Executive Ambassador Programme · By invitation

One Sponsor.One Woman.One Year.

Some of automotive's most accomplished female executives have joined us as keynote speakers, panellists and role models. Now they are going further.

Each Executive Ambassador will support one carefully selected woman from the network for a full year — with no fixed curriculum and no standard meeting schedule. The relationship is shaped entirely around her ambitions, challenges and opportunities.

Participation is by invitation only: the women supported are selected by the Women Automotive Network team.

Meet the inaugural Executive Ambassadors

Barbara FrenkelBarbara Frenkel

Former Board Member, Porsche AGProcurement · Supervisory Board Member

Nina RöckNina Röck

VP Software Drive & ComfortRenault Group

Renate VachenauerRenate Vachenauer

Member of the Supervisory Board, Diconium GroupFormer Member of the Board of Management for Procurement, AUDI AG

Sabine KohleisenSabine Kohleisen

Former Member of the Board of Management, Mercedes-Benz Group AGIndependent Non-Executive Director, Quest Global Services · CEO & Co-Founder, Aidana Advisory

Sabine ScheunertSabine Scheunert

Former MD Eurocentral, Dassault SystèmesFormer VP Digital & IT, Mercedes-Benz · First female automotive CEO in China

Melanie SchuttenbergMelanie Schuttenberg

Board MemberTAJCO

“
Experience only becomes meaningful when it is shared. I'm here to pass on what others once invested in me: confidence, clarity, and opportunity.
Barbara FrenkelExecutive Ambassador
“
A one-to-one relationship creates the trust and openness needed to share not only experience, but also the lessons, challenges and turning points behind it.
Renate VachenauerExecutive Ambassador
“
Talent is rarely the issue. Having someone who sees your potential, challenges your doubts and stands firmly beside you can make all the difference.
Melanie SchuttenbergExecutive Ambassador

From mentorship to sponsorship

The programme deliberately goes beyond conventional mentoring. Support may include executive mentoring and strategic advice — but also an introduction to the right person, greater visibility, or advocacy for an opportunity.

A mentorOffers advice based on her own experience.
A sponsorAdvocates for you, recommends you for opportunities and opens doors to conversations you could not easily reach alone.
MentorCoachSponsorAdvocateConnectorStrategic sounding boardRole model

What we ask of the women selected

This is a relationship with genuine depth. Success isn't measured in meetings held — a career moment might come from one introduction, one piece of candid advice, or one senior leader saying her name in the right room.

  • Arrive prepared and define what they want to achieve
  • Follow through on agreed actions
  • Stay open to candid feedback
  • Take ownership of their own professional decisions

One generation of leaders helping to build the next. The journey starts in our community — through the Mentorship Program.

Explore the Mentorship Program ↓
Women Automotive Network members at a summit

The Mentorship Program

Grow further, together.

Designed for women in automotive at every stage, our program matches you with a mentor from across the global industry who has navigated the path you are on. Whether you are seeking career advancement, personal growth or a stronger network, we will find the right person to help you get there.

  1. ApplyTell us about your experience and goals — it takes about five minutes.
  2. We confirm your placeOur team reviews your application and contacts you about next steps.
  3. Get matchedMatches are announced in February 2027, based on goals, expertise, language and interests.
  4. Four months of mentorshipMeet your mentor every 2–4 weeks and build a relationship that lasts — 72% stay in touch.

Mentees need an Annual Ticket or a Sponsor Attendee pass. Not sure? Apply anyway — we'll guide you.

Our Mentors

Learn from leaders who have been there.

A selection of the senior leaders who mentor in our program, from OEMs, suppliers and technology companies worldwide.

Angeles Rodriguez Terron
Angeles Rodriguez Terron
VP Mobility Performance & Transformation Management
Robert Bosch GmbH
John Moloney
John Moloney
Senior Vice President of Sales
BlackBerry QNX
Ian Plummer
Ian Plummer
Commercial Director
Auto Trader
Sophie Pohlmann
Sophie Pohlmann
Head of Customer Experience MaaS/TaaS
Volkswagen
Damaris Agressova
Damaris Agressova
Talent Acquisition Partner CZ, PL, HU
Valeo
Patrycja Matusz-Zagozdon
Patrycja Matusz-Zagozdon
Head of Transformation Management Office
ZF Group
Soyoung Jang
Soyoung Jang
Head of HR EMEA
Festo SE & Co. KG
Christiane Stein
Christiane Stein
Director
Mobility Global
Kruti Joshi
Kruti Joshi
Infotainment Systems Integration Lead
Jaguar Land Rover
Denisse Puentes
Denisse Puentes
Head of Tax, Customs & Export Controls
BMW México
Mandy Böbinger
Mandy Böbinger
Managing Director Czech Republic & Slovakia
Renault Trucks
Katharina Gierse
Katharina Gierse
Director GBS Strategy
FORVIA HELLA

In Their Words

What our mentees say.

Confidence

“One of the biggest things I've gained is confidence, not only in my abilities, but also in allowing myself to think bigger about my future and leadership potential.”

Business Planning Analyst, Hyundai Motor Europe

Transformative

“The mentorship program was a fantastic initiative. This journey has been transformative, and I highly recommend it!”

Brand Planning Manager, JLR

Visionary

“A standout moment for me was our work on developing and articulating a vision for my department. Overall, it has been a very positive experience.”

Senior Director, Legal Counsel, QNX

Progress

“The guidance, support, & insights have been invaluable to me. I learned a lot, and I am excited about the progress I have made.”

Regional Sales Manager, JLR

Empowering

“It came at the perfect time during my career development. The experience has been fantastic for me.”

VP Leadership & Recruitment, Schaeffler

Practical

“The program has been incredibly beneficial, especially in improving my communication skills.”

Team Lead Sales Analytics, AutoScout24

Mentors and mentees from 169 companies, including

Toyota Hyundai Bosch Schaeffler Magna Mercedes-Benz Mobility BlackBerry QNX Bugatti Rimac Flex S&P Global Mobility Stabilus Nextlane Kuehne+Nagel SABIC Analog Devices

For Senior Leaders

Become a mentor.

Share what you have learned with the next generation of women in automotive. Three in four of our mentees go on to mentor others — your investment keeps paying forward.

Did you know?

Mentorship for your whole team.

One of the best ways to access the mentorship program is through Corporate Membership. Partner with the Women Automotive Network to give your team access to multiple mentorship cohorts throughout the year.

Talk to our team →

Applications close January 2027

Your next step starts here.

Apply for the next cohort and we will be in touch to confirm your place and match you with the right mentor.

Questions? mouna@womenautomotive.com

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