Left to right: DAS Technology's, Alexi Venneri (Co-Founder and CEO), Cliff Banks (Head of Automotive Strategy), Kristen Judd (Head of OEM, Partnership and SaaS Strategy), Jason Barrie (COO)
On May 19, Alexi Venneri, Co - Founder and CEO of DAS Technology, was once again named one of the 100 Leading Women in the North American Automotive Industry by Automotive News. This marks her second appearance on the well-respected list, with her first recognition dating back to 2015.
Alexi and her fellow honorees are featured in the May 19 issue and are being celebrated this week at Automotive News’ Gala and Conference at The Henry in Dearborn, Michigan. The list, published every five years, honors female leaders who drive strategy, lead innovation, and shape the future of the automotive industry.
This year includes standout executives from General Motors, Waymo, Amazon, Porsche, Intel, Lithia Motors, and more. Notably, 57 of the 100 honorees are affiliated with DAS Technology - either as clients, product partners, or through longstanding OEM relationships.
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized alongside such talented and impactful leaders,” Alexi said. “It’s especially meaningful that more than half of this year’s honorees are from companies we proudly support with our SaaS technology.”
As CEO, Alexi leads DAS Technology’s innovation roadmap, strategic growth, and M&A efforts - building a self - funded, profitable organization at the forefront of AI - powered consumer engagement. Her career includes leadership roles at Dealertrack, Auto Media/Blue Flame 6, and Who’s Calling. She’s also a New York Times best - selling author and a Titan 100 board member. In her recent interview with Automotive News, Alexi reflected on the changes she’s seen over the past two and a half decades - and the shifts that continue to shape the industry.
What has surprised you most in 25 years in automotive?
“The most surprising change I’ve seen in my 25 years in automotive is twofold. The dealerships and even the OEMs are much more willing to try new technology, more than people give our industry credit for,” she shared.
“And I’ve also been thrilled from an industry perspective seeing that adoption of electric vehicles and where that's going. It's a huge shift in our industry that paired with the adoption of leveraging technology within the vehicle and marketing, engaging with consumers, and the power of AI – is changing everything.”
How are you using artificial intelligence at DAS Technology?
“Yes, yes, yes. I personally love using it,” Alexi said. “There’s some really good search engines you can try like Perplexity. I was fortunate to actually meet the founder last week at an event - we share a VC. At DAS Technology, we leverage it internally in a couple different ways.”
Alexi noted that AI plays a significant role in how DAS helps automotive brands engage with consumers, automate communications, and streamline marketing performance - all while maintaining a human touch.
What can be done to encourage more women to enter the industry?
Representation is a topic Alexi is passionate about - and one that ties directly into why lists like 100 Leading Women matter.
“What you’re doing with this 100 Leading Women is great. I think that - not just women - but men of all ages should see diverse representation with more women in leadership roles. The more that they see that, the more it becomes commonplace and normal.”
The 100 Leading Women list isn’t just a personal milestone - it reflects the trusted relationships DAS Technology has built with innovators across automotive retail, service, data, and marketing. That over half of this year’s honorees are connected to DAS is a testament to Alexi’s leadership and the strength of her team’s industry partnerships.
As automotive continues to evolve - from AI and automation to electrification and personalization - leaders like Alexi are pushing it forward. And at DAS, the mission remains clear: to support that transformation with purpose - built, tech - driven solutions that help brands connect more effectively with today’s digital - first consumer.
See the full interview and DAS Technology's press announcement.
