Jane Vaden Thacher, President and Dealer Principal of Vaden Automotive, has been named one of the 2025 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry by Automotive News. Thacher and her fellow honorees were featured in the May issue and celebrated at a gala at The Henry in Dearborn, Michigan.

100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry recognizes female leaders in the automotive field—those who make major decisions and have significant influence at their companies. Automotive News has published the list of the industry’s top female executives every five years since 2000.

As President of Vaden Automotive, Jane Vaden Thacher leads one of the largest woman-owned dealership groups in the country, with thirteen dealerships across Georgia and South Carolina. Under her leadership, the company has expanded its footprint, invested in digital innovation, and been consistently recognized for both customer satisfaction and workplace culture. Thacher began her career in the family business and has held a range of operational and leadership roles before taking the helm. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia and an active civic leader, serving on numerous boards and supporting initiatives in education, workforce development, and the arts.

“Over the last 25 years, on six lists of Leading Women, Automotive News has honored 442 executives. This year’s group of Leading Women has 24 presidents and CEOs and nine other C-suite executives; the first group, in 2000, had 14 presidents and CEOs and five others in the C-suite,” said Mary Beth Vander Schaaf, Automotive News senior director of editorial operations.

The 2025 class of Automotive News’ 100 Leading Women in the North American Auto Industry was selected through a months-long nomination and judging process that attracted hundreds of entries from the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“Our selection committee made many difficult decisions—it gets tougher every time,” said Vander Schaaf. “The talented, powerful executives on this list are at the forefront of thousands of successful women in the auto industry.”

Since 1925, Automotive News has been the primary source for news happening among automotive retailers, suppliers, and manufacturers. Distinct from other publications in the field, Automotive News remains a fully subscriber-paid publication, a testament to the value it delivers to readers. The award-winning weekly print edition, robust website, email newsletters, podcast and video broadcasts are backed by a global team of more than 65 editors and reporters.