2022 Canadians to Watch

CHOSEN BECAUSE:

Jacquie Richards is boldly  going where no General Motors employee has gone before. As quality launch manager for the BrightDrop Zevo 600 commercial delivery vehicle, Richards, 43, is responsible for making sure GM’s first product from its inaugural large-scale EV plant — CAMI Assembly in Ingersoll, Ont. — upholds the automaker’s standards. The graduate of Western University in London, Ont., followed her father’s footsteps into the automotive industry and has had a number of jobs leading to her current role, including being the business manager in a stamping department, supervising assembly lines and conducting internal auditing. She has noticed diversity and inclusion improving over the 10 years she has worked for GM.

“I’ve seen a change, and it’s just heartwarming to see that. GM is a very diverse and welcoming environment. It’s not the automotive industry of the past.”

IN HER OWN WORDS:

“I feel very honoured. [Being named to the Canadians to Watch list] is quite the recognition. It feels good that it’s definitely a team sport here. It reflects the work being done by this team to bring this all-electric future to reality.”