This Women’s month, we celebrate the women driving change within the ranks at Nissan South Africa
Young women who enter male-dominated industries often dream about becoming a leader who will change things for the next generation, and Liz Gorbunov is no different. After 16 years in the industry, she has become the champion she needed as a young graduate trainee.
As the current general manager and chief marketing manager for Light Commercial and Large Sport Utility Vehicles, Gorbunov is leading one of the fastest-growing product segments at Nissan Africa, and she still finds time to be the lead of the Women @ Nissan Diversity and Inclusion Council, ensuring the prioritisation of women's needs in the company.
Gorbunov's values and belief in women empowerment align well with the global entity she works for, as Nissan has committed to ensuring an increase in female management and executives to 25% by 2025. The company continues to invest in the training and development of women globally; South Africa alone has spent more than R56 million in training and development of female employees over the last five years.
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 Liz below:
Q1: Tell us about your role at Nissan and how long you've been with the company?
Gorbunov: I've been with Nissan for five and a half years and it feels like only yesterday that I joined the Sub-Saharan Africa team as general manager for Sales and Aftersales Operations. I've since moved on to the Product Marketing team in my current role as general manager and chief marketing manager for the Light Commercial (LCV) and Large Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV). Every day in the role brings with it a host of new and exciting challenges, which is what makes it so fulfilling. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of a team of extremely talented colleagues all working towards bringing new vehicles to the South African and Sub-Saharan Africa markets.
Q2: As a leader in the business, can you tell us of projects you've led that you're most proud of?
Gorbunov: As the product custodian, it's my job to ensure that the introduction of new LCV and SUVs are tailored to customer needs and expectations. Launching the right car, at the right price, at the right time is imperative.
Q3: Any internal accomplishments you'd like to share?
Gorbunov: Every day at Nissan feels like an accomplishment. In my sales role with the Sub-Saharan Africa business unit, the team was always able to achieve extraordinary results despite being at the height of the global oil crises. In my current role, the launch of the new generation Nissan Navara in June this year was the highlight of my career. The Nissan Navara has always been one of Nissan's iconic brands, and to be the lead on the project was an absolute privilege and honour.
Q4: Can you tell us more about what challenges you've overcome in the automotive industry as a female leader?
Gorbunov: The day-to-day challenges based on technical ability are no different to those encountered by my male counterparts. When I first joined the automotive industry as a graduate trainee in 2005, the perception of being less knowledgeable than my male colleagues was my most difficult challenge. Fast forward 16 years later, and thankfully some strides have been made towards the support of women in the industry.
Q5: In your position as a leader, how do you ensure that you empower other women at Nissan?
Gorbunov: I make a conscious effort to avail myself for mentorship programs within the organisation on a formal or informal basis. Sharing my journey often inspires young graduate trainees to envision a prosperous future within the industry. Within my teams, I've always ensured that all parties have an equal voice and that they know they are worthy of being heard. As the lead of the Women @ Nissan Diversity and Inclusion Council, I also ensure that the priorities of women at Nissan are tabled and kept top of mind.
