Shifting Gear: What it means to be a woman driving change in motor finance

From the boardroom to the European Motor Show, Stacey O’Connor, Head of Marketing at Close Brothers Motor Finance, considers what it means to work and lead at the intersection of finance and automotive in Ireland today.

By Stacey O’Connor

My own introduction to the motor industry started early. My dad worked in the car trade, and he got me my first weekend job as an MOT tester, where I learned the practical realities of working in automotive. This, paired with the opportunity for Close Brothers Motor Finance to be headline sponsor and part of the team bringing the inaugural European Motor Show to Dublin, was a full-circle moment and has been hugely rewarding both personally and professionally.

It was also a significant moment for Ireland. The decision to bring the show to our capital for the first time highlighted the growing role this country plays in shaping the future of automotive innovation across Europe. It also reinforced how closely finance and motor are now intertwined, particularly as customer journeys become more digital and expectations around transparency, speed and trust across sectors continue to rise.

Having just completed our transition from Bluestone Motor Finance to Close Brothers Motor Finance at the end of 2023, the European Motor Show was a chance for us to reintroduce ourselves and help amplify the Irish voices of automotive, from dealers to motor sport stars and all in between. 

These voices sparked real conversations at the European Motor Show, including discussions on leadership and representation, which felt particularly timely. Ireland’s automotive sector is no longer defined solely by distribution and sales. Irish talent is being increasingly recognised for innovation in automotive tech, with finance playing a critical role in supporting responsible growth and long-term industry resilience. There is no reason, however, why this innovation and growth needs to be predominantly male-led. 

Hold the door, please 

Early in my career, it never occurred to me that automotive or motor finance was a “man’s world”. I was focused on learning, contributing and doing the job well. The statistics, however, tell a different story. In the Irish automotive industry, women represent just 17% of the workforce, despite accounting for around half of Irish motorists. While representation in financial services is somewhat stronger, disparities remain, particularly at senior and leadership levels.

My experience has been that male-dominated does not mean unwelcoming. In practice, progression in these industries is driven by capability, judgement and collaboration, but it also depends on organisations being intentional about who is encouraged, supported and given visibility along the way.

Statistics tell us there is still work to be done to actively hold the door open for women. And why wouldn’t businesses want to? McKinsey research consistently shows that organisations with greater gender diversity, particularly at the leadership level, are more likely to outperform their peers.

In practice, however, this also means rethinking the standard ‘career path’, supporting progression through key life stages such as maternity leave and menopause, and ensuring leadership potential is recognised and nurtured in a way that works for the individual. I am fortunate to work within a team that takes this responsibility seriously and approaches inclusion in practical, meaningful ways.

For me, being a woman in finance and motor means contributing confidently to momentum. It means recognising the progress that has been made, while continuing to focus on creating access for women in leadership across Ireland – not just as customers or participants, but as leaders and decision-makers.

By widening access and encouraging diverse voices at every level, we strengthen not only our own organisations but the future of the industry itself.