ZF’s Martin Fischer is Recognized as an Automotive News Notable Champion of Diversity in Automotive - Martin Fischer named a 2023 Automotive News Notable Champion of Diversity
- Led creation of North America Diversity Advocacy Council and robust DEI training at ZF Americas
- With support and energy of the ZF team, achieved remarkable 83% DEI training completion and 200% growth in diversity advocacy council members across the Americas
NORTHVILLE, Michigan. Martin Fischer, President of the Americas region, has been named a 2023 Automotive News Notable Champion of Diversity. Fischer is featured in a special section in the October 9 issue of Automotive News.
For the third year, the Notable Champions of Diversity in Automotive program has recognized individuals that champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the automotive industry.
As the regional president for ZF, Martin Fischer spearheaded a comprehensive 3-year plan in response to 2020 social injustices. This initiative featured the creation of the ZF North America Diversity Advocacy Council and the implementation of a robust DEI and unconscious bias training strategy for ZF Americas. The council, initially comprising of 50 committed employees from various levels and divisions, organized over 20 internal panel discussions and produced numerous resources on gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, race equity, disability inclusion, and societal diversity dimensions.
Fischer's strong commitment to fostering inclusivity empowered his leadership team to extend these efforts. They conducted DEI workshops, encouraged mentorship for minorities, facilitated listening sessions, participated in external partnership and industry roundtables, and supported employee resource groups, leading to a remarkable 83% completion rate for DEI training among employees across North and South America. This dedication resulted in a 200% growth in diversity advocacy council members as the initiative expanded to Mexico and South America, demonstrating a significant step towards a more inclusive workplace.
"At ZF we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion enhance our creativity, increase our innovational power, and are key to our continued business success," said Martin Fischer, President of ZF Americas, Inc. "While I’m humbled and proud to celebrate the recognition in the 2023 Automotive News 'Notable Champions of Diversity' list, this award really belongs to our entire ZF team who contribute to our diversity efforts every day. For me, this reinforces our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance at ZF, as we collectively work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within our own organization, and across the automotive industry."
ZF established several external partnerships and regularly participates in peer exchanges and industry events including CADIA, MEMA, Out and Equal, Women in Manufacturing, Disability:IN, and Proud At Work.
The 2023 class of Automotive News Notable Champions of Diversity in Automotive was chosen by Automotive News editors and journalists from scores of nominees. Profiles of this third class of Notable Champions of Diversity are available at www.autonews.com/notablechampions.
- Martin Fischer named a 2023 Automotive News Notable Champion of Diversity
- Led creation of North America Diversity Advocacy Council and robust DEI training at ZF Americas
- With support and energy of the ZF team, achieved remarkable 83% DEI training completion and 200% growth in diversity advocacy council members across the Americas
NORTHVILLE, Michigan. Martin Fischer, President of the Americas region, has been named a 2023 Automotive News Notable Champion of Diversity. Fischer is featured in a special section in the October 9 issue of Automotive News.
For the third year, the Notable Champions of Diversity in Automotive program has recognized individuals that champion diversity, equity and inclusion in the automotive industry.
As the regional president for ZF, Martin Fischer spearheaded a comprehensive 3-year plan in response to 2020 social injustices. This initiative featured the creation of the ZF North America Diversity Advocacy Council and the implementation of a robust DEI and unconscious bias training strategy for ZF Americas. The council, initially comprising of 50 committed employees from various levels and divisions, organized over 20 internal panel discussions and produced numerous resources on gender equity, LGBTQ+ inclusion, race equity, disability inclusion, and societal diversity dimensions.
Fischer's strong commitment to fostering inclusivity empowered his leadership team to extend these efforts. They conducted DEI workshops, encouraged mentorship for minorities, facilitated listening sessions, participated in external partnership and industry roundtables, and supported employee resource groups, leading to a remarkable 83% completion rate for DEI training among employees across North and South America. This dedication resulted in a 200% growth in diversity advocacy council members as the initiative expanded to Mexico and South America, demonstrating a significant step towards a more inclusive workplace.
"At ZF we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion enhance our creativity, increase our innovational power, and are key to our continued business success," said Martin Fischer, President of ZF Americas, Inc. "While I’m humbled and proud to celebrate the recognition in the 2023 Automotive News 'Notable Champions of Diversity' list, this award really belongs to our entire ZF team who contribute to our diversity efforts every day. For me, this reinforces our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance at ZF, as we collectively work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within our own organization, and across the automotive industry."
ZF established several external partnerships and regularly participates in peer exchanges and industry events including CADIA, MEMA, Out and Equal, Women in Manufacturing, Disability:IN, and Proud At Work.
The 2023 class of Automotive News Notable Champions of Diversity in Automotive was chosen by Automotive News editors and journalists from scores of nominees. Profiles of this third class of Notable Champions of Diversity are available at www.autonews.com/notablechampions.
