Her Story
About Savithri
Savithri V. Raman is a global project management executive and engineering leader with more than 25 years of experience driving product development, launch execution, and operational excellence within the automotive and technology industries. She currently serves as Global Director of Program, Launch, and Change Management at Methode Electronics, where she leads global strategies that integrate program management, product launches, and change initiatives across international teams. Throughout her career, Savithri has successfully managed complex programs for leading automotive organizations, delivering innovative solutions for major customers including General Motors, Ford Motor Company, Ferrari, Tata Motors, and Apple.
Savithri’s expertise spans global program execution, product development, engineering leadership, manufacturing operations, risk management, and business transformation. Before joining Methode Electronics, she held leadership roles at Continental AG, where she led global project management initiatives for vehicle networking, connected car technologies, and head-up display programs, as well as at HARMAN International, where she managed large-scale connected vehicle and infotainment projects. Known as a results-driven change agent, Savithri has built high-performing global teams, improved operational processes, reduced costs, and delivered multimillion-dollar programs from concept through production.
Beyond her professional achievements, Savithri is a passionate advocate for diversity, leadership development, and community service. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Oakland University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University Eli Broad College of Business. She has dedicated decades to supporting education and community initiatives, including volunteer work with Aim For Seva. Guided by values of integrity, perseverance, collaboration, and lifelong learning, Savithri continues to inspire teams and emerging leaders through her commitment to excellence and meaningful impact.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Savithri
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work and being in the right place at the right time. Hard work alone isn't enough if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time; timing and grace play a big role. There were times I was doing well but not noticed, but eventually the right timing allowed me to move into leadership roles.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received from my previous CEO was that it doesn't matter if you're a woman leader or a male leader, you have to make sure you are 200% vested in the work that you are part of. That creates refinement in the job you do. I always tell my team to vet information 200%. Resilience is key too.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
There is no area that is gender biased. As a woman, we can enter any area and excel in any field that we are passionate about. Support from your family and partner is important. Just believe in yourself; nobody can tell you otherwise. I believed in myself, my husband and kids believed in me, so I went full force.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in our field is that the industry is so dynamic and technology is very disruptive. People have to keep on learning. I started as an electrical engineer, moved into highly software products, and now my industry is all mechanical, so I learned fast.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are honesty, clarity, perseverance, and integrity. Integrity is like an umbrella word covering honesty, trustworthiness, and follow-through. I am someone you can count on.
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