Penske Automotive Group is proud to have female leaders at every level of the organization. Every Thursday for the next 7 weeks, we will feature a female leader from the Penske organization who is empowering women in the industry and paving the road for the next generation of female leaders. From their earliest interest in the industry to their proudest moments, you’ll learn how these women got their start, who influenced them the most, and how they are helping change the face of the industry in positive ways.
This week we are pleased to introduce Christina Dolbashian!
Meet Christina Dolbashian – Area Controller, Rhode Island, Penske Automotive Group
“The automotive industry is exciting and always changing; every day is an adventure. Develop a thick skin and keep moving forward.”
Industry experience: 32 years
First automotive job: Accounts Payable Clerk
PAG tenure: 18 years
Current role and responsibilities: I am responsible for maintaining financial controls for nine general ledgers; managing, directing, and professionally developing a staff of 25 people; and advising and assisting operational management of financial trends.
What attracted you to the auto industry: I fell into the business after college as my uncle and cousin owned a dealership group and were looking for office help.
Most satisfying part of your job: Helping people learn how to fiscally manage and control their departments. I get satisfaction from seeing people solve their problems and succeed.
Proudest professional achievement: Leading my team to score a 100% on an internal accounting audit.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career: So many people have helped me become a better version of myself; all of the CFO’s I have ever worked for have fine-tuned my accounting skills, the HR team at PAG has helped me widen my perspective to better understand my staff, and my family has been instrumental in instilling the value of hard work.
Best career advice: Be flexible and be willing to compromise.
Advice for young women considering a career in the auto industry: The automotive industry is exciting and always changing; every day is an adventure. This industry is filled with folks passionate about their careers and cars. Sometimes it can be chaotic; develop a thick skin and be willing to let bygones be bygones. Keep moving forward.
Favorite weekend activity: Spending time with my family.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years: I see myself in the same role, leading an amazing team of young professionals and teaching them to hone their accounting skills while also helping my operational team continue to be financially successful.
How have you seen the auto industry landscape change and evolve to engage more women: Over the last decade, we’ve seen more women in positions that were once only held by men, especially on the service side of this business.
Check back next Thursday as we add another Penske female leader to the Women in the Driver’s Seat series!
