Accelerate Auto took part in an executive roundtable featuring leaders from across the Canadian automotive industry who are championing diversity and inclusion at all levels. The virtual event was sponsored by Scotiabank and moderated by Stephanie Henry, On-air Personality for Rogers Sports & Media. The event was hosted by Automotive News Canada. Panelists included a variety of industry experts who came together to discuss results-driven steps leaders can take to drive change within their own organizations.
Yolanda Biswah, senior vice president & general manager, Canadian Black Book (CBB) spoke at the event. Biswah oversees Canadian business operations and data licensing sales for CBB, and shared with Accelerate Auto her excitement “to be part of the team that is charting the course for the future of CBB by redesigning, reintroducing, and solidifying our place in the Canadian automotive industry.”
John Hiscok, senior vice president, Scotiabank Auto Finance also took time to speak at the roundtable event. Hiscock is an auto finance veteran with more than 30 years of industry experience. In his role, Hiscock is responsible for the execution of the Canadian auto lender’s strategic course, with a focus on enhancing the customer experience for dealers and consumers while working with partner OEMs to support their work throughout the Canadian dealer network.
Steve Milette, president, Nissan Canada Inc., oversees all Nissan operations in Canada including sales and marketing, finance, dealer network, product and corporate planning, aftersales, legal and human resources. His participation in the roundtable discussion showcased Nissan’s commitment to leading change across the industry.
Christopher Nabeta leads the commercial sales department at Volvo Canada, overseeing the company’s CPO, remarketing and fleet operations. Nabeta joined the panel to share his many years of experience at the forefront of diversity and inclusion. In 2014, with the support of his CEO, he launched the diversity committee at Hyundai Canada and is currently a member of Volvo’s diversity committee.
Nabeta is a founding member of Accelerate Auto, which is a coalition of Black professionals and allies who have joined forces to bring about change within the automotive industry. A not-for-profit coalition, Accelerate Auto has a far reach across the automotive industry, including manufacturers, dealerships, industry associations, and suppliers. Canadian auto dealer’s parent company Universus Media is one of the organization’s official partners, and editor Todd Phillips is one of the organization’s founding members.
Together these five speakers held a candid discussion about the key opportunities for achieving greater diversity within the automotive industry, and shared their own commitment to continuing to advocate for diversity and inclusion throughout the industry.
