Press Release
SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 – STAMFORD CT – Kelly Jackson has been named a 2025 Automotive News Rising Star. Kelly and her co-honorees are featured in a special section in the September 8th issue of Automotive News.
The Rising Stars program honors U.S.-based auto executives, under the age of 45, on the manufacturing, supply, and mobility side of the auto industry who have the talent and dedication necessary to become industry leaders of tomorrow. Automotive News has published the list of the industry’s up and comers annually since 2014. This is the second consecutive year that a HARMAN leader has been recognized by the awards program.
This year’s honorees come from 16 companies and a variety of disciplines — from executive management to purchasing, engineering, marketing and design.
Guiding Innovation and Inspiring the Next Generation
Kelly Jackson, Senior Manager of the North American Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Lab at HARMAN, manages all aspects of lab operations and ensures electronic products meet stringent EMC standards. Kelly is known for balancing day-to-day efficiency with long-term strategic goals, skillfully directing her team with a focus on technical excellence, collaboration and professional growth.
Over the past three years, Kelly has guided HARMAN’s EMC lab through a rigorous re-accreditation process, achieving a rare feat of zero deficiencies noted during a January 2025 audit. In parallel, she successfully oversaw the lab’s complex 18-month relocation, expertly managing timelines, resources and approvals to ensure a seamless transition.
Beyond her technical achievements, Kelly is deeply committed to building community and championing the next generation of female engineers. Her advocacy for greater representation in STEM was featured in HARMAN’s “Simply Engineer” campaign, which highlights and encourages women pursuing engineering careers. Within the company, Kelly plays an active role in employee resource groups that foster growth and development from HARMAN’s “DRIVE to Lead” program, which cultivates leadership skills, to the HARMAN Black Professionals Network, where she advances mentorship and professional programming.
“The Rising Stars program recognizes automotive executives in middle and upper management who are destined to be industry superstars,” said KC Crain, publisher of Automotive News. “The best predictor of big personal success is enormous responsibility at a young age. When great potential is identified and rewarded early, the organization wins.”
The 2025 class of Automotive News Rising Stars emerged from a nomination and selection process. Complete profiles of all 17 Rising Stars are available at www.autonews.com/risingstars.
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 the reader. The award-winning weekly print edition, robust website, email newsletters and video broadcasts are backed by a global team of more than 55 editors and reporters.
ABOUT HARMAN
HARMAN (harman.com) designs and engineers connected products and solutions for automakers, consumers, and enterprises worldwide, including connected car systems, audio and visual products, enterprise automation solutions; and services supporting the Internet of Things. With leading brands including AKG®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark Levinson® and Revel®, HARMAN is admired by audiophiles, musicians and the entertainment venues where they perform around the world. More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and connected car systems. Our software services power billions of mobile devices and systems that are connected, integrated and secure across all platforms, from work and home to car and mobile. HARMAN has a workforce of approximately 30,000 people across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In 2017, HARMAN became a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
CONTACT:
Jessica Sader
Communications Manager, HARMAN Automotive
Jessica.Sader@HARMAN.com
