INTERVIEW – At the launch of Range Rover’s first electric SUV, the head of the English brand spoke to us about her journey as a woman in a very male-dominated automotive industry.
He arrived at the helm of Range Rover a year ago. He then spent just three years at Meta as global director of automotive technology after twenty years with the Renault group. Geraldine Ingham has spent her career in the automotive industry, but England calls home. In July 2024, the legendary brand with its legacy british as rustic as it is royal (Queen Elizabeth II himself only driving around in a Range Rover in its various properties), cited his first partnership with Wimbledon as an obvious choice. Geraldine Ingham took the opportunity to present the first electric model of the house, which is absolutely identical to the design of the classic Ranger Rover. “We’re not the first in this electric SUV niche, but we wanted to arrive with a vehicle true to the brand’s DNA,” explains the boss. As a woman, she has long served as a phenomenon at the top of the organizational charts of car groups. But times have changed. And today the women of the English group came to ask him if he could free some time to train them.
Madame Figaro. – One hour wake-up call ?
Geraldine Ingham. – I need a lot of sleep. I usually wake up at 6:30 in the morning, but I don’t go to bed early enough, especially since I always read before bed. Eight hours of sleep would be ideal, but I never get there.
The height of your position ?
Think “brand” before you think “product” and influence my colleagues to put this brand at the forefront of the company’s choice.
Obstacles on the way.
There is a classic way in cars, and I did not follow it. So in the beginning I didn’t necessarily progress as quickly as I would have liked. But other than that, I would say that I have encountered more opportunities than obstacles. There was a time when I counted the number of women in the congregation, it was just me. In doing so, I always felt that I had the privilege of bringing a female, and therefore different, voice to an industry in total transformation. Today I am surrounded by many other women, which makes me happy.
Accelerators to your journey.
Going abroad was the first big step. When I arrived at Renault in France early in my career as purchasing director, I was the only English woman. So I was a little invested and I learned a lot. I also agreed to do different things. After twenty years at Nissan, for example, moving to Meta boosted my career.
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If we go back to the roots ?
I grew up in a working culture. my parents always pushed me to do better, especially in studies. I have it in me, the harder you work, the more you get rewarded, nothing is free. But I can’t help but combine it with passion. Work has never been money for me.
Who trusted you?
One of my bosses, Guillaume Cartier, is today Nissan’s president for the AMIEO region. I admired his very collaborative approach and his constructive work. He always asked the right question and brought out the best in people. It really allowed me to grow.
There is a classic road in cars and I didn’t do this road
Geraldine Ingham, Ranger Rover
What is left for you to learn?
Many things. I still have to learn to doubt less, to always believe in myself. When I arrived at Range Rover, I found myself among people who had worked here for twenty years, who knew the product and the brand far better than I did. I really had to tell myself over and over. “There’s a reason why you’re here.” I’m actually a typical woman, very critical of myself. This is what I try to tell women who come and ask me to train them. “believe in yourself and take risks”.
Relax for a moment, will you?
Watching “dumb” reality TV with my 16 year old daughter on our couch and tuning everything else out. Taking a long bath on Sunday night with candles in the bathroom.
Defining your influence.
Have a vision and bring people with you on the journey. I often talk about “authentic leadership” because you don’t lead anyone without sincerity.
Source: Le Figaro
