What began as an unexpected move away from her planned career in finance has taken her across business transformation, manufacturing, customer experience and network development in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
For Women’s Month, Vather reflects on the milestones that have shaped her career, the evolution of her leadership approach, the challenges women continue to face in the automotive sector, and what businesses can do to help more women progress into leadership.
The milestones that stand out most are delivering significant business transformation results, helping establish vehicle assembly operations in Nigeria and Ghana, and contributing to the growth of the business across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
What makes these achievements meaningful is not only the results, but the people, partnerships and lessons gained along the journey.
My original plan was to pursue a Chartered Accounting career after completing my finance qualification. However, once I entered the automotive industry, I was captivated by its diversity, constant learning opportunities and the chance to work across functions such as finance, sales, aftersales, manufacturing and customer experience.
I also developed a real appreciation for the products themselves, each with its own character and purpose. Looking back, it is interesting to see how the vehicles I have driven evolved alongside my career and life journey.
More than 20 years later, I am still passionate about the industry and the opportunities it continues to offer.
Leadership has taught me that it is constantly evolving. Different situations, markets and challenges require different leadership styles.
Early in my career, I believed strong leaders were the ones driving results. Over time, I learned that sustainable success is achieved through teams, not individuals.
While I remain focused on performance and delivery, I am equally passionate about recognising achievements, celebrating small wins and creating an environment where people can thrive.
One of the most rewarding aspects of leadership for me is developing young talent and watching individuals grow into confident and successful leaders themselves.
When I started my career, there were fewer women in senior automotive roles than there are today, and it has been encouraging to see that continue to change.
Like many women, there were times when I had to back myself, step outside my comfort zone and prove my capabilities. Those experiences taught me resilience and confidence, but most importantly, they taught me the value of staying authentic.
I have learned that effective leadership is not about fitting a mould, but about bringing your own strengths and perspective to the table.
Yes, definitely. I have seen a positive shift, with more women taking on leadership, specialist and operational roles across the automotive sector.
While there is always more that can be done, it is encouraging to see businesses actively investing in diversity and creating opportunities for women to build rewarding careers in the industry.
Businesses can play a significant role by creating clear pathways for career growth and investing in mentorship and development programmes that provide women with opportunities to broaden their experience.
Equally important is building a strong talent pipeline through apprenticeships, cadet programmes, graduate initiatives and succession planning.
When women can see opportunities to grow and are supported along the way, leadership becomes a realistic and achievable aspiration.
Work hard, work smart, and do not be afraid to be seen and heard.
Take ownership of your development, be bold enough to step outside your comfort zone, and look for opportunities to broaden your experience.
Focus on adding value, building your credibility and delivering results. The more value you create, the more opportunities will follow.
