ECG — 2023-11-03
News from ECG
The inaugural meeting of the Women in Finished Vehicle Logistics (FVL) network took place on 12 October in Copenhagen, slightly before the start of the record-breaking ECG Conference 2023, establishing the first forum for women working in this dynamic sector. Women working for logistics service providers, car manufacturers and suppliers to the sector were invited to join the network and the meeting.
A network supported by ECG
Andreea Serbu, Senior Manager for External Affairs at ECG welcomed around 40 women participating, setting the stage for an informal gathering dedicated to women in FVL and hosted by ECG.
Women in FVL: creation of a network
Djana Rigbers, Head of Procurement and Contracting at Glovis Europe, introduced the network's mission and vision and explained how this idea came about a few months earlier. In May 2023, at ECG’s General Assembly in Thessaloniki, Djana together with Neringa Jasiulionienė, Director of FVL at Manvesta and Board Member of ECG and Diana Chikmareva, Area Manager at ROLFO had the idea to create a dedicated environment for women in the sector.
Highlights from the meeting
Djana highlighted in her opening speech: “Women in FVL business are basically present, but still rather visible as minority and remarkable “female” examples, especially in leading positions. To use a business analogy it is a bit like a new car that is already produced and known from the media and once it is crossing on the motorway you recognize it. However, it is not yet delivered to all dealers and sold to customers in order to see it everywhere. If this happens it becomes normal and it won’t be a question anymore whether it is a woman or a man that is doing business.”
In preparation of the meeting, we surveyed women to find out about their expectations from such a network and for the first informal meeting. These were networking, creating connections, discussing challenges and opportunities for the FVL sector. And that is what happened. Neringa led a very interactive discussion on what women in the room were expecting in the business in the near future and long term. Fruitful discussions came about regarding capacity constraints and digitalisation challenges for logistics service providers and car manufacturers. "One significant benefit of participating in the Women in FVL network is the opportunity to connect in a dedicated environment with other women in the sector and creating a powerful system for exchanging information and ideas" said one of the attendees.
To conclude the meeting, a highlight presentation by Diana prompted some thoughts and discussions on women and leadership.
Next steps
The network will continue organizing such meetings in the coming months. Further activities will be discussed and developed.
Become a member of the network
Would you like to become a member of the network? Join the LinkedIn group or send us an email.