Continental believes that success starts with people. To create development opportunities for all employees, the technology company has built a worldwide culture that emphasizes diversity and lifelong learning. Two employees that embody Continental is commitment to people are helping lead the way in North America:
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“I can’t say enough about the team I get to work with every day”
- Ina Seterbakken is the plant manager leading the company’s new Aguascalientes plant from construction to its opening in 2021. The electronic plant will support Continental’s Connected Car Networking business unit. Prior to joining Continental, Seterbakken was a three-time Norwegian champion figure skater. She joined the company as a part of its Integrated Apprenticeship Degree Program. The competitive program offers participants a unique learning experience working with various global business units. Seterbakken first visited Mexico as one stop in the program. Today, the global experience she gained in the program is proving invaluable.
- Vyola Fisher is the plant manager for the Periferico plant, located in Guadalajara, a facility with more than 18 years of history supporting the company’s Vehicle Networking and Information business area. She started the position earlier this year after working in several roles in Germany for about three years. Most recently, she was the Head of Manufacturing Innovations, leading the company’s efforts in Industry 4.0 strategic projects and advanced robotics. In addition to her global experience working in different countries, Fisher has worked in a number of business units across Continental from new product launches to industrial engineering.
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“Diversity is key to innovation. It is the catalyst for everything we do,” said Samir Salman, CEO of Continental North America. “Through diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, we gain the benefit of different ways of looking at our business. Ina and Vyola both bring unique ideas from distinct backgrounds, which is critical in order to remain competitive in today’s global environment.”
Seterbakken is Continental’s youngest plant manager in North America. She has been coordinating development of the new Aguascalientes plant beginning with construction. Under her leadership, the plant has been steadily progressing toward its scheduled opening next year despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I can’t say enough about the team I get to work with every day,” said Seterbakken. “When I first started with Continental, I quickly found it was the right fit for me as they supported my ambitions and curiosities. I never expected to be working in Mexico, but when I got the chance to visit the country as a part of the degree program, I fell in love. Not many women in the industry have the opportunity to lead a plant like this, especially early in their careers. I’m thankful to work for a company that is changing that narrative.”
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