Influential Woman · Manufacturing
Marie-Louise Burkle
Chief Executive Officer, Autac Incorporated
Killingworth, CT 06419
Her Story
About Marie-Louise
Marie-Louise Burkle is the Chief Executive Officer of Autac Incorporated, a family-owned wire and cable manufacturing company based in Branford, Connecticut. With more than two decades of leadership experience, she has guided the organization through strategic growth, operational improvements, and evolving market demands. Her leadership approach emphasizes ethics, collaboration, and long-term sustainability, with a strong focus on aligning business performance with employee development and customer trust.
Raised around the family business founded by her father in 1947, Marie-Louise developed an early understanding of manufacturing and enterprise stewardship. She prepared for a leadership role through vocational education in Distributive Education (DECA), where she made history as the first female to win first place nationally in her category. She later earned a scholarship to Johnson & Wales University in Providence, studying entrepreneurship and international business, and gained additional experience in marketing and sponsorship work with motorsports teams during her early career.
Before taking on executive leadership, she also contributed to education by teaching automotive technology at her former vocational high school and leading its DECA program. In 1999, she stepped into the role of interim CEO of Autac Incorporated and has continued to lead the company ever since. Her professional philosophy centers on principled leadership, operational excellence, and empowering teams to succeed while preserving the legacy and values of a multigenerational family business.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Marie-Louise
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I never give up, and I stay committed to pursuing my goals. I also believe that finding my passion in life and truly loving what I do has been a key driver of my growth and achievements.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to be confident in myself and my decisions. I have learned that I must also be prepared to handle both the peaks and valleys that come with any career journey, staying steady and resilient through every stage.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering my industry is to be your own advocate and speak up for yourself with confidence. Do not be intimidated by others—stand tall, stay proud of who you are, and trust your abilities. Remain goal-oriented, stay focused on your path, and always strive to grow. At the same time, be a strong team player and value collaboration, as success is often built with and through others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest opportunities in my field right now include expanding outreach to more companies, driving strategic initiatives that create meaningful impact, and empowering teams to perform at their highest potential. These areas allow for growth, innovation, and stronger organizational success.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in my work and personal life include being kind and respectful to others, practicing strong time management, and maintaining attention to detail. I also value leading by example, being a good listener, and staying highly organized. Above all, I am committed to making a positive difference in everything I do.
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