Saudi Arabia: They once said the automobile world was no place for a woman. But Chinese executive Stella Li proved them wrong — and went on to become one of the most influential women in the global automotive industry.

As executive vice president and president of BYD Americas, Li has left an indelible mark on the auto industry and beyond. From her academic beginnings at China’s prestigious Fudan University to her pivotal role in transforming BYD into a dominant force in the electric vehicle market, Li’s story is one of vision, persistence, and leadership

Li’s journey began when she joined BYD in 1996. A year later, she became marketing manager, helping the company grow as a leading mobile phone battery manufacturer. 

Recalling her early days, Li told Arab News in an exclusive interview: “In 1999, I landed in Rotterdam to open our first office in Europe. I had only $30,000 as a budget and a container load of the Chinese group’s lithium-ion batteries. The management told me that’s the only budget — sell these batteries to survive.” 

With just two people helping her, she was able to clinch a deal and sell the batteries, and since then, she moved BYD to another level, and the company has moved far past its roots to become one of the world’s most powerful electric-vehicle makers. 

Owing to her ability to navigate complex challenges, Li went on to open BYD’s first overseas office in Hong Kong in 1997, followed by its first European office in Rotterdam in 1999. In 2002, she established BYD’s North American headquarters for batteries and consumer electronics in Chicago. By 2010, she was appointed president of BYD Motors Inc., spearheading the company’s expansion into North and South America. 

As one of the most powerful women shaping the future of mobility, Li was among the speakers at this year’s Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh. 

The 55-year-old participated in several discussions and media interactions, including talks on BYD’s plans for a potential Gulf distribution hub in Saudi Arabia. 

“The new distribution center is a huge investment to serve all the GCC countries and is expected to open next year,” she said. 

Reflecting on her visit to Saudi Arabia, Li added: “When I was at the FII conference, I felt that the Saudi government is very committed to its Vision. The officials are not just talking — they deliver and are moving very fast to achieve the Vision’s goals. I am very impressed with the government’s intention to transform the country in such a short period.” 

Li noted that BYD is not only bringing its global No. 1 New Energy Vehicle expertise to the Saudi market but also tailoring its expansion to local needs — with flagship showrooms in Riyadh and Jeddah, sub-dealers in Dammam, immersive discovery centers, and strategic collaborations with Aramco and the Saudi Green Initiative. 

Speaking about the Aramco partnership, she explained: “We have signed an agreement with Saudi Aramco Technologies Co., a subsidiary of Aramco, to combine research and development capabilities to develop solutions that deliver both environmental and efficiency gains.” 

Asked about the importance of Saudi Arabia to BYD’s growth, Li said: “Saudi Arabia means a lot to us. To prove that, this is my second visit in six weeks. It’s a promise of partnership, progress, and a future where Saudi Arabia isn’t just adopting technology — it’s helping to define it.” 

She also revealed that BYD plans to deploy 500 to 1,000 ultra-fast EV charging stations across the Gulf region. 

“Yes, we will offer one-megawatt units in Saudi Arabia and the UAE that can deliver a 400-kilometer range in just five minutes,” she said. 

Beyond technology, Li is a strong advocate for women’s leadership. She praised Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to empower women economically and socially. 

“Women in every country are present at every stage of the process, and their input is essential to BYD’s success. I am really glad to see Saudi women taking a major role in the development plan — and we are glad to have them here with us in Saudi Arabia,” she said.

On developing young Saudi talent, she added: “We came to Saudi Arabia, brought our technology, and established our branches that now employ many Saudis. It is our duty to train young local talent — in technology and leadership. It doesn’t matter how qualified these young people are; we make them able to learn and become the best in the industry.” 

Li praised the Kingdom’s focus on nurturing local talent, especially women in technology and leadership. 

The trailblazing executive recently became the first woman in the history of the World Car of the Year, or WCOTY, program to win the World Car Person of the Year 2025 award. 

A jury of 96 international automotive journalists from 30 countries selected her for making the most significant contribution to the global automotive industry over the past year. 

Li was also featured in the Time 100 Climate list of the most influential leaders in the fight against climate change.