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Honda Leaders Jessika Laudermilk And Tim Leopold Recognised As 2024 Rising Stars In Automotive Industry
Automotive News has acknowledged Jessika Laudermilk and Tim Leopold as emerging talents in the U.S. automotive sector. Laudermilk has been recognised for her leadership in marketing for Honda and Acura, while Leopold is noted for his role in transitioning Honda to electric vehicle (EV) production. Both have been named among 21 honorees under 45 who are seen as future leaders in the industry.
In June 2024, Jessika Laudermilk took on the role of assistant vice president of Honda National Sales. She is the youngest executive to lead U.S. sales activities for Honda automobiles and the first woman to hold this position. Her career at Honda began in 2018 within the Auto Sales Division, where she later led marketing efforts for both Honda and Acura brands.
Honda's manufacturing journey in North America started over four decades ago. The company began with motorcycle production in Marysville, Ohio, in 1979, followed by automobile manufacturing at the Marysville Auto Plant in November 1982. Today, Honda operates 18 major manufacturing facilities across North America, employing over 33,000 associates.
Tim Leopold serves as an associate chief engineer at Honda Development & Manufacturing of America (HDMA) in Ohio. He leads the Battery EV Infrastructure project at the Marysville Auto Plant (MAP). This plant was established as Honda's first auto plant in North America and will be its first facility to start EV production.
Leopold joined Honda in 2002 and has contributed significantly to enhancing production capabilities across North America. He played a key role in developing and globally introducing the first 10-speed automatic transmission at the Honda Transmission Plant Georgia. This innovation showcased a U.S. facility's ability to lead global powertrain production.
Honda has invested more than $25 billion into its North American manufacturing capabilities since its inception, with over $2.8 billion spent in the last five years alone. The company collaborates with more than 750 original equipment suppliers across North America, having purchased parts worth approximately $596 billion since 1982.
Commitment to Local Production
In 2023, over 99% of all Honda and Acura vehicles sold in the U.S. were manufactured in North America. About two-thirds of these vehicles were made using domestic and globally sourced parts within American facilities. This commitment underscores Honda's dedication to local production and innovation.
The Automotive News Rising Star awards have been recognising promising leaders annually since 2014. These awards highlight individuals from various disciplines such as executive management, purchasing, engineering, mobility, and design who demonstrate potential to lead the automotive industry into the future.
The current lineup of award-winning vehicles from Honda includes popular models like Civic and Accord sedans, HR-V and CR-V SUVs, Ridgeline pickup trucks, Odyssey minivans, and electrified options like Prologue SUV and hybrid versions of Accord and CR-V.
The recognition of Jessika Laudermilk and Tim Leopold highlights their significant contributions to advancing Honda's presence in both traditional automotive markets and emerging EV sectors. Their achievements reflect a broader trend towards innovation within the company.
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