Katherine Zachary Recognized with Leadership Excellence Award at 2025 Women Automotive Network Awards

Reports on manufacturing, labor and earnings with clear, practical context. Drives a Tesla Model 3 RWD; family hauler is a Volvo XC60.
Katherine Zachary, Region Vice President Communications at Nissan AMIEO, has been awarded the prestigious Leadership Excellence Award at the 2025 Women Automotive Network Awards. This accolade highlights her significant contributions to fostering a more inclusive environment within the automotive industry, further cementing her role as a pivotal leader in shaping Nissan's progressive culture.
Katherine Zachary's recognition at the 2025 Women Automotive Network Awards underscores her influential role in promoting diversity and inclusion within Nissan and across the automotive sector. As the Region Vice President of Communications for Nissan AMIEO, Katherine oversees communications across more than 140 markets, a position that allows her to champion inclusive practices on a broad scale. Her commitment to these values is reflected in her leadership of the AMIEO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, where she has been instrumental in transforming ideas into actionable strategies that foster a culture of belonging.
Stephanie May, Commercial Director at the Women Automotive Network, praised Katherine as a strategic leader and a mentor who inspires future generations. This sentiment is echoed by Katherine herself, who attributes the award to a collective effort within Nissan to create an environment where every voice is valued. Her initiatives, such as the Speed Mentoring sessions, demonstrate her commitment to increasing visibility and career growth for under-represented groups, providing employees with unique opportunities to engage with senior leaders.
In addition to her responsibilities at Nissan, Katherine invests in the future of communications by teaching a master's course in International Communications at the Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris. Her influence extends beyond her immediate professional environment, as she plays a key role in shaping the next generation of communicators. Her dedication to education and mentorship is a testament to her comprehensive approach to leadership, which combines professional excellence with a commitment to societal impact.
The 2025 Women Automotive Awards were part of the Women Automotive Summit: Europe, an event celebrating diversity across the automotive industry. This year, the event highlighted several Nissan leaders, including Kayleigh Husband, who was shortlisted for the Inspirational Role Model Award, and Michael Simpson, nominated for the Allyship Award. These nominations reflect Nissan's ongoing efforts to integrate DEI into its corporate framework, with recent reports showcasing significant progress in these areas.
Looking to the future, Nissan AMIEO remains dedicated to advancing its DEI initiatives, focusing on developing leaders, expanding opportunities for under-represented groups, and strengthening networks that promote inclusivity. The company's continued commitment to these goals is not only shaping its internal culture but also setting a benchmark for the industry. Katherine Zachary's leadership is a beacon of this transformative journey, illustrating how thoughtful action and inclusive practices can drive meaningful change.

About Priya Nair
Reports on manufacturing, labor and earnings with clear, practical context. Drives a Tesla Model 3 RWD; family hauler is a Volvo XC60.