GM boss vies for world honour
Jess Bala, managing director of GM Australia and New Zealand, has been named as one of the finalists in the annual Woman of Worth Award.
The annual prize is an initiative of Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year and aims to recognise the worth and career of a woman in the motor industry or motorsport who has made an outstanding contribution.
Bala, pictured, has been chosen as one of 10 finalists for the award after non-voting jury members whittled down a list of 30 nominations from across the automotive industry.
Some 76 jurors from 53 countries will now vote to decide who will take out the Woman of Worth Award 2024, with the winner due to be announced on June 4.
Last year, the award went to Dr Astrid Linder of Sweden, the inventor of the female crash test dummy.
Sandy Myhre, a New Zealand motoring journalist, created the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year in 2009 and is the co-ordinator of the Woman of Worth Award.
Finalists
Lexie Alford, American adventure traveller, US
At 21 years of age, Lexie shattered the world record for the youngest person to travel to all of the world’s 196 countries.
Arlena Amiri, head of Polestar operations, Sweden
She created the necessary framework conditions so Polestar’s research team and partners can build a climate-neutral car by 2030.
Jess Bala, managing director, GM Australia and New Zealand
She played a central role in Cadillac’s transition to an all-EV brand by the end of the decade.
Marta Blazquez, Faconauto president, Spain
She is the only woman to lead an association in Spain’s automotive sector.
Claudia Marquez, chief operating officer, Genesis Motor North America
Under Marquez’s leadership, Genesis has strengthened its position in North America.
Luciana Herrmann, regional communications director, Latam Nissan, Mexico
Since its inception, Herrmann has dedicated much of her work in communications to seek equity for women in the automotive industry.
Asako Hoshino, executive vice-president, Nissan Motor, Japan
Hoshino acts as brand champion and oversees global marketing and sales, global customer experience, global Infiniti and global aftersales.
Michele Mouton, FIA’s women and motorsport president, France
As the only woman to win a World Rally Championship event and a constant top contender, she redefined expectations for female drivers.
Rachel Somaschini, rally and race driver, Italy
She is the first driver with cystic fibrosis to take part in a World Championship rally.
Angela Zepeda, chief marketing officer of Hyundai Motor America, US
She is an expert in marketing to women, with a keen understanding their retail habits.
