Boulogne Billancourt, November 8, 2024 — Paula Fabregat-Andreu, Renault’s esteemed brand design project director, has been awarded the prestigious Woman of the Year 2024 accolade by the WAVE – Les Elles de l’Auto association. A distinguished jury of journalists honored Fabregat-Andreu on November 7 for her transformative influence on Renault’s design legacy, particularly through her pivotal role in reshaping models like the Renault 5, Renault 4, and Twingo for the brand’s electric future.
A Journey from Aspiring Designer to Renault Visionary
Fabregat-Andreu’s remarkable journey with Renault began in 2000 as an automotive interior designer, a role she held while honing her passion for innovative vehicle aesthetics. Her international career within Renault saw her rise through the ranks to become a leader in redefining Renault’s vehicle design philosophy. After initial years in the Barcelona design studio focusing on advanced concepts, she took on a prominent role in Romania, managing design projects for Dacia, Renault’s subsidiary. Her career came full circle when she returned to France, this time to lead major A- and B-segment vehicle designs. Among her achievements, the redesigned Renault Clio stands out, a model she guided to launch last year, now accounting for a significant share of Renault’s sales and solidifying her impact on the brand’s portfolio.
Currently, Fabregat-Andreu’s creative leadership is shaping three icons of Renault’s electrified lineup—the R5, R4, and Twingo—each blending nostalgia with futuristic innovation. Her designs have captured the imagination of automotive enthusiasts by celebrating Renault’s heritage while paving the way for a sustainable future.
Recognition from WAVE – Les Elles de l’Auto and Industry Peers
During the award ceremony at the Pavillon Royal in Paris, Fabregat-Andreu expressed her gratitude, reflecting on her journey within the automotive industry:
“I am very touched and grateful to the jury for choosing me for this Woman of the Year 2024 award. When I think back to the inexperienced young designer I was 24 years ago when I joined Renault Group, receiving this award today has great meaning for me. Many young women in design schools hesitate to enter the ‘transport’ fields. I tell them that they absolutely belong here, and that the automotive industry needs their perspective and talent at a time when it is undergoing profound renewal. This award also honors the Renault 5 E-Tech electric. Achievements in the automotive industry can only be collective, and that of the R5 may be even more so than others.”
The sentiment of collective achievement behind the celebrated R5 E-Tech Electric was shared by Florence Lagarde, jury member and vice-president of WAVE – Les Elles de l’Auto, who remarked:
“The journalists applauded the success of this project, which revives the emotion of the first generation of the R5—a complex challenge. All were won over by Paula Fabregat-Andreu’s enthusiasm and her ability to convey her passion for the automotive industry.”
Advancing Women in Automotive Design
WAVE – Les Elles de l’Auto, an organization committed to elevating women’s roles in the automotive industry, awards the Woman of the Year honor annually to a figure who exemplifies excellence and influence in the automotive field. Fabregat-Andreu received her award from Anne-Marie Baezner, director of the Lyon Motor Show, and Aurélie Jouve, director of the Equip’Auto Show, both recipients of the 2023 Woman of the Year title. This year’s accolade not only underscores Fabregat-Andreu’s contributions but highlights Renault’s commitment to fostering female talent in automotive design, an effort echoed by Agneta Dahlgren’s recognition in 2016 as the Woman of the Year for her work with Renault’s C-segment vehicles, including the Kadjar, Megane, and Scenic.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Automotive
Fabregat-Andreu’s recognition as Woman of the Year 2024 serves as a testament to her dedication to transforming Renault’s design ethos while also inspiring young women pursuing careers in automotive design. As the automotive world pivots toward electric mobility, her creative leadership remains instrumental in shaping Renault’s future. This award is a nod not only to Fabregat-Andreu’s own contributions but to the future designers who will continue to bridge tradition and innovation in the evolving landscape of automotive design.
