Samantha Naidoo has worked hard to shatter glass ceilings as an engineer.
After 16 years of navigating the tradtionally male-dominated automotive industry as a woman, Samantha has become a powerful advocate for diversity and inclusivity, much like her role model Indra Nooyi, former chair and CEO of PepsiCo.
“Indra Nooyi is a powerful example of leadership and ambition, and has broken many barriers in the business world,” she says. “Her journey as a woman in a male-dominated field inspires countless women like me to pursue our ambitions and fight for equality.”
As a member of Ford Motor Company South Africa’s pilot program on diversity, equity and inclusion, Samantha is passionate about creating a safe environment for women in the automotive industry.
“Throughout my career in the earthmoving equipment and automotive industry, I was either one of the very few or the only female in the department,” she says. “But the industry has changed, and I no longer see gender differences when engaging with my male counterparts; it’s simply business as usual.”
Her role as TCF VME facilities manager at Silverton Assembly Plant in South Africa is to keep the production line running smoothly through equipment modification and installation for current models and upcoming vehicle programs.
“My team and I are responsible for modification of existing, and installation of new, equipment in the final assembly plant,” she says. Yet what Samantha does goes beyond ensuring the production team at Silverton has what they need to produce industry-leading vehicles; it’s about laying the groundwork for the future of Ford Ranger.
And that future is electrified. Samantha is currently preparing for the launch of the first-ever Ranger PHEV, which will be produced for the world at Silverton.
“I love being part of something that has never been done before,” she says. “While it may come with its set of challenges, it’s rewarding to see the finished product drive off the production line.”
Samantha joined Ford in 2018, when the company was deep in the development of the new Ranger, and she was put to work helping develop improved vehicle flow in Silverton and transforming the final assembly plant in the seven-week shutdown in July 2021.
“What people don’t see is the work done years in advance to ensure we meet launch milestones. This usually involves long nights, weekends and shutdowns spent in the plant.”
When she’s not busy streamlining manufacturing facilities at Silverton, she’s planning her next safari adventure to see local wildlife in its natural habitat.
“I love seeing new places and learning about different cultures that are not taught in a classroom. Exposure to different cultures helps broaden our horizons,” she says.
Samantha is also a die-hard soccer fan and recently watched long-time rivals Manchester United and Liverpool go head-to-head at Old Trafford Stadium. “Next up on my bucket list is to watch Real Madrid play Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Spain.”
Samantha hopes to complete her MBA in the upcoming year after delaying it to focus on the Ranger PHEV launch. She is also a member of the Global Women of Ford community.
“Ted Key once said that ‘every job is a portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence’. It’s a reminder that if we are intentional about our work, and we’re leaving our signature on the world, we should aim for that signature to be one of excellence.”
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