Rachel Fortenberry-Deutschel
Rachel Fortenberry - Deutschel is a seasoned global executive with extensive experience in sales, program management, and sustainability within the automotive industry. She has a proven track record of driving market share growth, managing complex global programs, and overseeing multibillion-dollar P&L portfolios. Known for her technical expertise as a mechanical engineer, Rachel combines her deep industry knowledge with exceptional leadership, relationship-building, and strategic insight to deliver results across diverse teams and international markets. Her career spans leadership roles at companies including FORVIA, Faurecia, where she has managed cross-functional teams across the USA, Mexico, China, and Brazil.
Throughout her career, Rachel has been recognized for her ability to navigate complex contracts, develop innovative business strategies, and secure high-value agreements with OEMs. She has led global initiatives in sales, sustainability, and operations, building best-in-class teams and fostering strong customer relationships. Her leadership emphasizes emotional intelligence, diversity, and inclusion, and she is deeply committed to mentoring and developing the next generation of industry leaders.
In addition to her corporate accomplishments, Rachel served on the board of the LACASA Center, supporting victims of child abuse and interpersonal violence. With her combination of technical expertise, strategic vision, and people-focused leadership, Rachel continues to drive innovation, growth, and positive impact in both her professional and personal endeavors.
• Training Certs within industry
• Universidade Paulista- B.S.
• London Business School
• LACASA Center
What do you attribute your success to?
My success stems from an unwavering commitment to continuous learning, personal growth, and a deep passion for the automotive industry. From an early age, I was inspired by my father, John Bruno, whose mentorship instilled in me the importance of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional professionals whose guidance and support have shaped my leadership journey and fueled my drive to make a meaningful impact in this industry.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to always stay true to myself and believe in my abilities. Early in my career, I faced moments of doubt and uncertainty, especially when stepping into new roles or taking on greater responsibility. Remembering this advice helped me stay grounded in my values and confident in my decisions. It taught me that success isn’t about fitting a mold — it’s about showing up authentically, trusting your instincts, and having the courage to push forward even when the path isn’t clear. No matter the challenges, that belief in myself has made all the difference in how I lead, grow, and inspire others.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to be intentional in everything you do. Every decision, effort, and interaction should align with your goals and values — because purposeful actions create lasting results. Be curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of preparation and persistence. Growth in this industry comes not only from technical expertise, but also from confidence, resilience, and the willingness to keep evolving.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the automotive industry today lies in its deeply rooted traditional culture and the continued underrepresentation of women in leadership roles. At the same time, the industry is undergoing a massive transformation as it navigates the shift toward electrification, sustainability, and digitalization. These forces are putting pressure on long-standing systems, but they also present a tremendous opportunity. As we adapt to new technologies and evolving market demands, the industry has the chance to redefine its identity — becoming more inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking. To truly succeed in this new era, we must embrace diversity of thought, empower new voices, and create environments where talent can thrive, regardless of gender or background.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me, both professionally and personally, are integrity, compassion, and transparency. Integrity drives me to do what’s right, even when it’s not easy. Compassion reminds me to lead with empathy and respect for others. And transparency helps me build trust and foster open communication — qualities that I believe are essential for strong teams and lasting partnerships.
Locations
GLG
Detroit, MI 48234