Over the coming months, we're proud to share our annual Women in the Driver's Seat series across Penske Automotive Group's social media channels. This inspiring series highlights the remarkable women across our global organization - leaders, innovators, and changemakers driving progress every day. Through their stories, we'll explore career-defining moments, lessons learned, and empowering advice for women looking to make their mark in the automotive industry.
This week, we're excited to feature Annie Ting, Engineering Manager - Off Highway, Penske Australia.
How long have you been in the automotive industry?
For almost 20 years.
Can you share a few sentences about your career journey in the automotive industry?
I studied Aerospace engineering at university but was offered a placement in the Ford Graduate program in Melbourne, Australia. This was highly competitive to get into at the time, so I decided to start my career in the automotive industry. Looking back, it was a “fork in the road” moment and one that gave me the opportunity to be part of the product development team for Ford Australia that designed the award-winning Ranger, Everest and Raptor. A career highlight was working with the design studio team and being responsible for the complete delivery of the exterior design of multiple vehicle programs including a joint-venture project with VW on the Amarok. It was amazing to be in a creative design space and seeing new model design concepts that only a very few people would have the privilege to experience.
Today I lead the Off-Highway engineering team at Penske Australia, where I am managing a multitude of projects across diverse sectors including mining, marine, rail, construction, and defence. The projects our team works on are incredibly diverse from designing tooling aids for the service team, to installing engines in submarines to a hybrid mining haul truck.
What do you enjoy most about working in the automotive industry?
I have enjoyed delivering complex engineering projects and seeing the impact of these projects, working
with diverse cross functional global teams, and making great friends along the way. Also, I've enjoyed
having the opportunity to visit many parts of the world and many parts of Australia throughout my career.
Can you describe a key initiative or project you’ve led or contributed to that made a meaningful impact
on the business?
Recently our team delivered the first-of-its-kind mining repower project. We are also working on an exciting
R&D project to develop a hybrid system for mining trucks.
What are your standout strengths?
Most people that I have worked with have complimented me for the passion, positivity, and enthusiasm I
bring to my team and projects. Personally, the things that have really helped shape my strengths would be
constant reflection and keeping an open mind in how I approach my work and life.
What are your favorite hobbies or interests?
I love to spend time with my family, travel and try new foods. My curiosity once led me to Antarctica!
What’s your favorite motivational song or songs?
I love listening to piano pieces. My favorite is Clair de Lune by Claude Debussy. A more modern one would
be River Flows in You by Yiruma.
What’s your go-to book, podcast, TV show, or movie?
A podcast I have enjoyed recently is “All in the Mind” with Sana Qadar, which explores how our brains work.
What motivates you each day?
Trying my best for my family and working with a really great team gets me out of bed each day.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in the automotive industry?
The automotive industry can be incredibly exciting and impactful but also challenging to navigate in a male
dominated industry. So be true to yourself and bring your unique experience and perspective to the table.
Favorite Quote:
“We should be lifting each other up and cheering each other on, not trying to outshine one another. The sky would be awfully dark with just one star.” – Anonymous