The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) hosted its 9th Annual Women@SIMI event in conjunction with its sponsor Bank of Ireland, in the Alex Hotel Dublin in June. The event brought together over 170 professional women from various sectors to celebrate the extensive contributions made by women across the Motor Industry in Ireland. 

This event aims to provide a platform for professionals within our industry to come together to network, exchange experiences and create business contacts. SIMI remains committed to promoting inclusion and empowerment within the Motor Industry.  

We were delighted to be joined by Mary Kennedy our Mc for the day, along with our guest speakers, Sharon O’Buachalla, Managing Director Ayvens and
Aoife O’Grady, Head of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland.

SIMI President Jonathan Meade addressed the audience at his first official event in his capacity as SIMI President. “Women@SIMI shines a positive light on women working within the Motor Industry, serving as an example for others who may wish to join”. Jonathan Meade highlighted the exciting opportunities within the industry and expressed gratitude to sponsor Bank of Ireland for their continued support of the event since its inception."   

Guest Speaker Sharon O’Buachalla, speaking about what she has learnt as a leader “To my let people be entrepreneurs, make mistakes, learn from them, give them the freedom and to listen. Surround yourself with very good people because the success of our company are the people.” And for those think of entering the industry “You have to be passionate about what you do. There are many challenges facing our industry, every day is different, you must work hard and just go for it.”     

Guest Speaker Aoife O’Grady, “The Irish Motor Industry is constantly evolving, you need to be prepared to be flexible and adaptable. Every job is interesting in its own way, you need to find what works for you.” 

John Feeney, Head of Property, Project, and Asset-backed Finance, Corporate and Commercial Banking addressed attendees “Bank of Ireland is delighted to sponsor the ‘Women@SIMI’ event again this year. This platform offers a great opportunity for women in the industry to network and gain leadership insights from esteemed industry leaders. At Bank of Ireland, we have a strong conviction that organisations and industries that harness talent thrive. We’re proud to be making significant steps to embodying this in our Group.” 
 

Our Previous guest speakers have come from a variety of backgrounds to share their own personal stories and insights as to how they became leaders within their chosen profession. 

• 2024 Women@SIMI Guest Speakers; Sharon O’Buachalla, Managing Director of Ayvens and Aoife O’Grady, Head of Zero Emission Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI)
• 2023 Women@SIMI Guest Speakers; Louise Grubb CEO TriviumVet, Norah Casey Broadcaster, entrepreneur and human rights campaigner
• 2022 Women@SIMI Guest Speakers; Sharon Keegan, founder of Peachylean Athleisure wear, Lucy Gaffney, founding director of the Digicel Group
• 2019 Women@SIMI Guest Speakers; Breege O’ Donoghue Executive Director, Penneys, Alison Comyn , Award Winning Journalist
• 2018 Women@SIMI Guest Speakers; Francesca McDonagh, Chief Executive, Bank of Ireland, Geraldine Herbert, Editor & Motoring Journalist, Gerry Hussey, Performance Psychology Consultant
• 2017 Women@SIMI Guest Speakers; Anna May McHugh, Managing Director National Ploughing Association (NPA), Paula Fitzsimons, Managing Director of Fitzsimons Consulting, Michelle Spillane, Director of Global Marketing, RTÉ.
  
• 2016 Women@SIMI Guest Speakers; Moyagh Murdock CEO of the Road Safety Authority, Penny Ferguson, Founder of the Living Leader and Regina Doherty, Government Chief Whip, and Minister of State in the Department of An Taoiseach. 
  
• 2015 Women@SIMI Guest Speakers; Louise Phelan, Business Speaker, PayPal VP Global Operations EMEA, Mary O’Rourke, Former Government Minister and writer, Gráinne Cronin Former Aer Lingus Pilot. 
  
• 2014 Inaugural Women@SIMI Guest Speakers; Katie Taylor, Olympic Gold Medalist, Nicola Byrne, CEO and Founder of Cloud 90, 11890 and Stenics Media, Lynne Cantwell, Ireland's most capped women's rugby player, Aifric Campbell, Novelist and former MD of the trading floor at Morgan Stanley, Rosemary Smith, the legendary rally ace and SIMI Irish Motor Industry Award Winner.