For the first time in its 32-year corporate history, Honda Cars Philippines Inc (HCPI) will welcome its first woman president.
Rie Miyake was just 14 when HCPI came into existence. After college graduation in 2000, she straightaway got her first job at Honda in Japan, and she has spent her entire career, thus far, with this one brand.
“Honda has been my home for the last 23 years. My career started as a logistics coordinator. Then I did overseas sales operations for North and South America. Prior to coming here, I was in charge of the export planning department of Honda’s global automobile business,” said Rie.
Miyake, a native of Osaka, graduated high school from Osaka Prefectural Ikuno, and college from Kobe University with a degree in Faculty of Cross-cultural Studies.
As HCPI president, Miyake will prioritize customer satisfaction. She also revealed that hybrid electric vehicles will also be introduced.
“Our priority is always to provide customer satisfaction through superior value from our products and services, as well as from technologies and corporate programs that advance Honda’s global goals on carbon neutrality and zero traffic collision fatalities. Aside from new model launches, we will introduce new technologies including the e:HEV hybrid electric vehicle. At the same time, with our dealers and business partners, we will continue to improve our services in sales and after-sales to provide a truly satisfying experience that will give our customers joy and confidence because they chose Honda,” Miyake explained.
In Honda, Miyake found a corporate home where she could continuously sharpen her talents for the long term. “The auto industry can enrich people’s lives by providing products and services that are rooted in real life. And the reason I’ve stayed with Honda for this long is that it keeps challenging me, yet continues to fulfill my dreams.”
Furthermore, Miyake said gender has never been an issue at Honda. “In Honda, I am not conscious about gender. We always practice our philosophy of respect for the individual and be open to share ideas,” Miyake stressed.
“When we look at gender only, then we have differences. However, the difference between each person is not only gender but also background and viewpoint, and I believe we can create new products and services when people (of all genders) share ideas freely. I recognize that the culture of accepting various opinions and ideas is a strength of Honda.”
Miyake said that outside of the workplace, Honda has provided added support for its women employees who also need to take care of their own children.
“In Japanese society, the outsourcing of childcare is limited for women with children, and we had some difficulties in that regard some years ago. Now, companies such as Honda are extending support, so I think the working mother’s situation has improved a lot,” Miyake observed.
Miyake extends words of encouragement to other working women in the industry, whether they be Filipino or Japanese: “Have the courage to pursue your dreams. Create joy for yourself and others as you take your journey. To create a better life for people is the best part of working in the automobile industry. Our own dreams can come true by creating joy for our customers.”
Rie Miyake is the incoming President, Honda Cars Philippines Inc
