The organization Women and Vehicles in Europe (WAVE) has named Aurélie Jouve, director of Equip Auto, and Anne-Marie Baezner, director of the Lyon Motor Show, as joint recipients of the ‘Women of the Year 2023’ accolade. This announcement is historic, marking the first time since the award’s inception in 2010 that the jury has chosen to honor two women simultaneously.
“This is a wonderful recognition and brings to light the events that animate our automobile market. We are fortunate to work in an extremely innovative and exciting industry, which faces many challenges and in which diversity fully takes on its meaning,” said Jouve.
“This is a wonderful recognition and brings to light the events that animate our automobile market. We are fortunate to work in an extremely innovative and exciting industry, which faces many challenges and in which diversity fully takes on its meaning.”
Aurélie Jouve, director of Equip Auto
Equip Auto, under Jouve’s directorship, reportedly dazzled more than 25,000 professionals who attended the event at Eurexpo, coming from all over France and abroad. The first Lyon edition of the professional show became a hotbed of innovation, showcasing quality conversations, a vibrant start-up village, and setting the stage for what industry experts are calling a “resounding success.”
The jury also recognized Anne-Marie Baezner, whose visionary leadership of the Lyon Motor Show orchestrated a modern and technologically vibrant event that has reinvigorated a widespread passion for automobiles among both young and mature attendees, jurors said.
Florence Lagarde, a member of the Woman of the Year jury, emphasized the unusual but necessary decision to award both directors. “The choice of the duo Anne-Marie Baezner-Aurélie Jouve quickly became evident,” Lagarde said. “It seemed inconceivable to us to honor one and not the other, given their equally impactful contributions to the automobile industry.”
Baezner, who shared Jouve’s spotlight, remarked, “I share this award with all the brands and dealerships that trust us and carry the colors of the automobile high and proud, with a thought for all the women who, like me, have found or will find their place in the development of this sector.”
The dual recognition underscores the evolving landscape of the automotive industry, reflecting a greater appreciation for the role women play in driving innovation and progress within this traditionally male-dominated field.
Both Baezner and Jouve will be officially awarded at the annual meetings of WAVE – Women and Vehicles in Europe, set to take place at the Pavillon Royal in Paris. They will receive the accolades from Anne Abboud, Woman of the Year 2022, and current Director of Stellantis &You, Sales & Services.
WAVE – Women and Vehicles in Europe, a law 1901 association, champions diversity in the automotive and mobility professions. Established in 2008, WAVE aims to attract more female talent to the industry, recognizing that diversity fosters a complementary expertise and introduces a new dynamic vital for the sector’s growth.
The decision for this year’s Women of the Year was made by a panel of 17 automotive journalists, representing a broad spectrum of media, from national daily press to radio and online publications.
The Jury of the Woman of the Year 2023 is composed of: Leslie Auzemery (Auto Infos), Julien Bonnet (BFMTV), Christophe Bourroux (RTL), Stéphanie Cansell (Be My Guest), Louis Daubin (Kilomètre Entreprise), Adeline Després (Autoroute Infos), Victoire de Faultrier-Travers (L’Argus Pro), Géraldine Gaudy (L’Argus), Florence Lagarde (Autoactu), Agnès Lasbarrères (Auto Plus), Alexandra Legendre (Ligue de Défense des Conducteurs), Alexandre Lenoir (independent), Catherine Leroy (Journal de l’Automobile), Jean-Rémy Macchia (Ouest France), Perrine Martin (Radio Vinci Autoroutes), Justine Perou (Capital), Caroline Ridet (Ze Pros).
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