Navigating the automotive industry with passion and positivity: Kulsoom Khan
As part of International Women’s Day 2024, AIA Canada is recognizing women from across the auto care industry, highlighting their experiences, achievements, and success in their careers. Throughout her career, Kulsoom Khan has promoted a positive work environment and aims to show why working in the auto care industry is so rewarding.
Now working as Category Business Manager of Automotive Parts with Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), Kulsoom never envisioned herself working in the auto care industry–but now that that she is here, she could not picture herself doing anything else.
“If you had told my 18-year-old self that I would be working in automotive as an adult, I probably would have laughed it off,” says Kulsoom.
Before launching her career, Kulsoom was studying Biology at the University of Windsor and was confident that she would end up somewhere in the scientific field. However, after graduation, she was offered a role at the head office of Walmart Canada that she could not refuse.
“For a young professional, Walmart offered an amazing opportunity to understand all the complexities of big-box retail and sharpen my own business acumen.” explains Kulsoom.
“During my time at Walmart, I worked in various areas of the business—one of which included automotive buying. This role allowed me to learn a lot about the uniqueness of the automotive industry in a short amount of time.”
Following seven years at Walmart, Kulsoom made the jump to Canadian Tire to assume the role of Category Manager for Automotive Parts.
“I wanted to try something different, and I had always looked up to Canadian Tire as a shining example of a successful Canadian business,” reflects Kulsoom.
Now, deeply immersed in the automotive space at Canadian Tire, Kulsoom says there is never a dull moment, and she looks forward to working alongside her team every day.
“I have found everyone around me at Canadian Tire to be incredibly supportive in helping me understand the nuances of the automotive parts business without judgement,” says Kulsoom, “We have a very open-minded leadership team that is always responsive to feedback and enthusiastic about developing female talent.”
“I hope that women have the opportunity to see how much potential there is in the automotive world. The industry is changing at such a fast pace, and there are so many ways to be involved outside of the traditional roles you may have been accustomed to hearing about.”
About Kulsoom Khan
Kulsoom Khan is currently a Category Business Manager at Canadian Tire Corporation. Passionate about enhancing customer experiences, Kulsoom is dedicated to ensuring widespread organizational success and cultivating a positive workplace culture at Canadian Tire and across the automotive industry.