Automotive News Europe - October 2016 - Leading Women - 24


Helena Bergstroem Pilo
Vice president industrial vehicle line, 40 series | Volvo Car Group |
Gothenburg, Sweden | 53

❚ EDUCATION:

Master's degree in physics engineering, Chalmers
University of Technology,
Gothenburg, Sweden

What attracted you to the
auto industry?
I like cars because they are interesting, complex products
that everyone has an opinion
about. They engage people.
Cars are a fantastic combination of technology and design
and I just love driving them.

portant but a few really stick
out. When I took on my first
management position it helped
me realize that I really wanted to
be in this area of the business.
Another big step was when I became a department manager in
engineering. Not many women
had done that before.

First automotive job:
I started in 1988 as a trainee in
Volvo's engineering department and had the opportunity
to work at several facilities in
my first year. My first job was
as a design engineer for seats.
I was responsible for latches
and folding mechanisms for
our foldable rear seat that
launched in the Volvo 740.

What major challenge have
you faced in your career?
Playing an important role in
the new-generation Volvo
XC90 from its conception to
Job No. 1. I was responsible
for the engineering of the
complete body, closures, exterior, interior and climate systems. While doing my work I
had to take into consideration
that the XC90 would have a
completely new architecture,
a completely new top hat and
a lot of new technologies. Otherwise most of my challenges
have been of a technical nature such as solving complex
issues under tight deadlines.
As a manager you often face
issues and concerns that deal
with people, organizations and
programs. However, none of
that has ever seemed insurmountable to me.

What was your big break?
I see my career as a series of
steps. All of them have been im-

Who has had the biggest
influence on your career?
That would have to be my current and former bosses. All of
them have challenged me and
supported me.

❚ FAMILY: Husband, Ulf
❚ BORN: Gothenburg,

Sweden

❚ NATIONALITY: Swedish
❚ LANGUAGES: Swedish,

English, some German

24

www.autonewseurope.com

What should be done to
encourage women to enter
the auto industry?
It is important to visit schools
and universities to talk about
the fantastic and exiting technology developments that are
happening in the auto industry.
There are so many different
jobs and areas to work in. That
needs to be communicated.
Role models on every level are

also important and they need
to be visible and given the
chance to talk about this interesting business.
Name one thing about
yourself that most people
don't know.
I fly hot air balloons even though
I am somewhat afraid of heights.
If you could have dinner
with anyone, living or dead,
who would it be?
Albert Einstein. His theories
fascinate me and it would be
interesting to hear how he
reached his conclusions.
If I had it to do all over
again, I would ...
Have taken one year off to
travel the world at some time.
When and where was your
last vacation?
In January of this year I went to
Filzmoos, Austria, during the
hot air balloon festival. I planned
to go ballooning and skiing. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't
good enough for flying.
Name one talent you wish
you had.
I would like to be really good at
drawing, painting and writing.
Best advice you've ever
received?
Do your job the best you can,
be good at it and tell people
about your aspirations, interests and dreams.
What advice would you give
your child?
Get a good education and follow your dreams.
If you were a car, what car
would you be?
A Volvo C70 convertible for
happiness and flexibility and
a Volvo V40 for playfulness
and agility. ANE

Exclusive Sponsor:

2016
http://www.autonewseurope.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Automotive News Europe - October 2016 - Leading Women
