The Ramos Arizpe Assembly Plant Executive Director at General Motors Mexico Is Recognized in the Series "30 Stories: EXATEC EGADE Through the Years" for Her Transformative Leadership in the Automotive Industry and Her Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability.
By INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATIONS | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Alicia del Valle Soto (MDM’07) has broken barriers and paved the way for new generations of leaders in an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Currently serving as Executive Director of the Ramos Arizpe Assembly Plant at General Motors Mexico, Alicia leads one of Mexico's most important automotive complexes, playing a key role in the transition toward electromobility.
An industrial engineer and graduate of the Master in Manufacturing Management (MDM) from EGADE Business School, Alicia combines her technical expertise with visionary leadership to drive technological innovation and sustainability within the organization.
Expansión and Forbes México have recognized her multiple times on their lists of the most powerful women, a testament to her leadership and groundbreaking career in the automotive industry.
Alicia began her career at General Motors in 1989 as a Quality and Supplier Development Engineer.
In 2013, she became the first Mexican woman to manage a General Motors manufacturing plant in Mexico: the Toluca complex. There, she excelled at implementing technological innovations in casting and production processes.
Over her 36-year tenure at the company, Alicia has held leadership positions in quality, materials, logistics, and operations, including directing the San Luis Potosí complex.
In 2019, she assumed leadership of the Ramos Arizpe Assembly Plant, overseeing key innovation and sustainability projects.
Under her leadership, this complex in Coahuila has become a cornerstone of GM's Zero-Emissions vision. It has also diversified its production by manufacturing electric models such as the Blazer EV and Equinox EV, significantly contributing to electromobility in North America.
The Ramos Arizpe plant employs 10,000 direct employees and collaborates with over 620 national suppliers. Still, under her leadership, the most profound impact has been the cultural transformation toward a vision of sustainability and innovation.
“My commitment is to my country. I want Mexican manufacturing to be recognized for its talent and the quality of its products,” Alicia shared in an interview with Líderes Mexicanos, reflecting her passion for positioning Mexico as a benchmark in the automotive industry.
Alicia has shown that talent development is just as important as technological innovation. She has championed ongoing training for her team through programs and forums that foster collaboration and generate new ideas.
In her words: “Encouraging teamwork generates ideas that enrich us.”
As an advocate for diversity and inclusion, Alicia has actively supported female talent in the industry.
In an interview with Players of Life, she stated: “It used to be said that manufacturing was a man's world, and I completely disagree because women bring diversity, even in decision-making processes involving staff and products.”
Under her leadership, the Ramos Arizpe plant has received recognition for the quality of its processes and products, solidifying its position as a key player in automotive manufacturing.
Alicia exemplifies the transformative impact of inclusive and strategic leadership on the industry.
As part of the EXATEC EGADE community, she inspires new generations to lead with purpose and vision, strengthening Mexico’s role in global business.