With a year and a half of experience on the AIAG Quality Steering Committee (QSC), Alisha Punjab — Ford Motor Company Supplier Technical Assistance (STA), North America Strategy & Business Office Manager — is eager to tackle new challenges and drive innovation as she steps up to become the committee’s newest co-chair.

In her current capacity at Ford, Alisha oversees supplier business processes (including APQP, PPAP, launch activities, and IATF activities), leading and coordinating process enhancements and new processes with a cross-functional STA team. She also manages and implements updates to STA systems to reflect requirements and needs from both Ford and the supply base.

As Alisha embraces the opportunity to co-chair the AIAG QSC, she looks forward to fostering open dialogue and collaboration, drawing on the diverse backgrounds and perspectives within the committee to develop creative solutions to industry challenges. Leveraging her proactive approach and forward-thinking mindset, Alisha aims to support the committee’s mission of driving continuous improvement and shaping the future of automotive quality.

Read on to hear from Alisha herself and stay tuned for additional updates from our QSC!

How do you envision your new role as co-chair contributing to the group’s overall mission and goals?

As co-chair of the AIAG Quality Steering Committee, I envision my role significantly contributing to the group’s mission by acting as a bridge between OEMs and suppliers. AIAG’s success hinges on collaboration between OEMs and their suppliers. My unique perspective, offering both OEM expectations and an understanding of supplier capabilities and challenges, will be beneficial. By actively listening, participating in discussions, and leveraging my knowledge of both OEM and supplier viewpoints, I can help the committee more effectively identify emerging industry needs and trends. In short, I aim to be a proactive and effective co-chair, focusing on fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and ensuring AIAG remains a vital force in shaping the future of automotive quality. My ability to understand and navigate the complexities of the OEM-supplier relationship will be key to achieving these goals.

From your time with the committee so far, what experiences or “lessons learned” do you think will be most valuable in your new position?

My 1.5 years on the AIAG Quality Steering Committee have provided invaluable experience that will directly benefit my new role as co-chair. The strong relationships I’ve built with committee members are perhaps the most significant asset. These relationships foster trust, open communication, and collaboration. This is especially beneficial as the committee comprises individuals from various organizations, with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, allowing for open conversations from all members across the supply chain.

What key priorities or industry challenges do you believe the committee should focus as we move into 2025 (and beyond)?

As we move into 2025 and beyond, I believe the AIAG Quality Steering Committee should focus on AI and data from connected vehicles to address emerging industry challenges and capitalize on new opportunities to improve automotive supplier quality. Leveraging AI for quality improvements has already started to take charge in the industry, as automotive manufacturing and the supply chain has been transforming in this space. For example, using data-generating technologies for manufacturing process and quality control and AI-powered preventative maintenance, which significantly reduce downtime and improve efficiency. These opportunities, however, present challenges that need to be addressed. The rise of connected vehicles introduces new complexities related to quality, cybersecurity, and data management. By focusing on these priorities, the AIAG QSC can play a vital role in shaping the future of automotive quality and ensuring the industry’s continued success through the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive industry.

What approaches or strategies will you focus on to foster collaboration and drive the committee forward?

To foster collaboration and drive the AIAG Quality Steering Committee forward, I will focus on several key approaches and strategies. I will actively seek input from both OEM and supplier representatives to ensure that the topics we review reflect the needs and priorities of all stakeholders and address urgent industry needs and emerging trends. I aim to foster a collaborative culture through open communication, recognizing contributions, building trust, and actively seeking diverse perspectives to ensure all voices are heard and valued. Focusing on these strategies will continue to create a productive and collaborative environment within the committee, driving it forward to achieve its goals for the automotive industry.