Spotlights & Successes

As managing director of IAOB China, Zhang provides leadership for certification bodies and auditors across the region, ensuring the effectiveness and integrity of the IATF 16949 automotive certification scheme. Her role requires close collaboration with OEMs, suppliers, and key stakeholders, as well as engagement with emerging trends such as digitalization and AI adoption in manufacturing. 

“I was particularly interested in getting involved with AIAG because it offers a unique global platform to collaborate on industry standards and best practices,” says Zhang. “Given the rapid advancement and large-scale application of AI in China, I saw a valuable opportunity to contribute practical insights and help bridge perspectives between China and the global automotive community.” 

With the increasing integration of AI and digitalization in the automotive sector, Zhang says this is a critical moment for the industry. She sees a growing need to align real-world applications with structured quality frameworks. 

“I felt it was the right time to step forward and contribute to AIAG, particularly by sharing practical experiences from China and helping to address existing gaps in standards and implementation,” she says. 

As a new volunteer, Zhang admitted feeling some initial uncertainty. “Coming from China, we have not traditionally taken a leading role in developing CQI frameworks,” she says. “What has truly surprised and encouraged me, however, is the strong support and engagement from both our team in China and the global community. Despite everyone’s busy day-to-day responsibilities, participants have been highly committed, actively contributing through workshops and discussions.” 

Zhang has been especially impressed by the level of openness and transparency among industry volunteers at AIAG. “People are willing to share both their challenges and their best practices,”