This women's month, we celebrate the women driving change within the ranks at Nissan South Africa
As a global entity, Nissan believes that enabling women, particularly in management positions, is essential to providing diverse value to customers. This belief is evident in the increase in female management the company has seen globally, from 6.7% in 2008, to 13.9% in 2020.
Nissan South Africa has spent more than R56 million in training and development of female staff over the last five years and has reiterated its commitment to the cause by increasing representation of females at management and executive levels to 25% by 2025.
This month, we get to know the women whose lives have been impacted by Nissan's commitment to diversity and those who have been leading some of Nissan South Africa's most crucial projects in recent years.
Get to know Evanie Vather, general manager of Nissan Africa Corporate Planning.
Q1: Tell us about your role at Nissan and how long you've been with the company?
Vather: I am the General Manager for Corporate Planning for the Nissan Africa Regional Business Unit, which has the market responsibility for Egypt, South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa countries. My role entails being the central control of overall company strategies for a successful mid-term plan delivery, business development and driving continuous improvement to deliver corporate business plans and activities. I have had the honour to be part of the Nissan family for a period of 16 years.
Q2: As one of the leading ladies at Nissan, can you tell us about projects you've led that you're most proud of?
Vather: With being at Nissan for over a decade and a half, I have had an opportunity to lead to many projects. The following two projects stand out for me:
- I took the lead on the commercial elements to introduce the Assembly Plant in Nigeria which enabled Nissan to be the first mover for local assembly after the launch of the Nigerian Auto Policy.
- With the New Nissan Navara CKD launch, I was proud to contribute to this; having led the project to appoint a local assembler in Ghana who will start an assembly of the Nissan Navara from early 2022.
Q3: Any internal accomplishments you'd like to share?
Vather: At the start of my career at Nissan, I was part of the Aftersales Team and played a role to drive achievement of a 47% increase in Aftersales Return on operating profit. Several projects and initiatives were identified for achieving this target and this resulted in me being part of the team which received a global accomplishment award for Aftersales Outbound Logistics cost reduction.
What I would also consider a great accomplishment is having had the opportunity to learn and gain experience in different functions at Nissan, from Aftersales Business Management, Financial Reporting, Business Planning, Export Operations, Regional Sales & Operations and Corporate Planning.
Q4: Can you tell us more about what challenges you've overcome in the automotive industry as a female leader?
Vather: One of my challenges was to find the confidence to network and join the social circles at business dinners and engagements being the minority present as a female. I am a real diva who enjoys beauty, pamper sessions and R&B music. Initially, my thought was how would I fit into the discussion where the main topic was playing golf. But I must say it was a mind over matter thing as through these engagements, I have been able to build some very solid working relationships.
Q5: In your position as a leader, how do you ensure that you empower other women at Nissan?
Vather: I remind the ladies I engage with on their abilities and talent, which they should showcase to a broader audience. I am always there to offer support to our fellow ladies, whether it is holding their hands when they need comfort or provide guidance on topics they need assistance with. I also share my career journey and the message that as long as you enjoy what you do and focus on delivery and adding value to the company, you will position yourself for career growth.
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