Agnes Di Leonardi and John Hiscock are the 2025 Canadian Black Book Automotive Icon Award recipients. Both were presented with their awards on Wednesday at Canadian Black Book’s annual symposium at the Universal Event Space in Vaughan.
Their contributions to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the automotive industry were a common thread. Christopher Nabeta, executive chair of Accelerate Auto, introduced Di Leonardi, a Member of the Order of Canada, and said her influence is felt in every corner of the automotive sector and well beyond it.
“Agnes Di Leonardi is, in many ways, the blueprint,” said Nabeta.
He said Di Leonardi, who is general counsel for Sym-Tech Dealer Services, grew up with a deep sense of purpose, inspired by her family to make meaningful contributions to the world.
“She carried that forward through a remarkable career that has helped shape Canada’s automotive landscape,” said Nabeta. “Her professional journey as an industry leader spans some of the most respected organizations in our industry… Across every chapter, the theme is the same: excellence, integrity and a clear vision for what this industry can become.”
He said what sets her apart is that her dedication to advancing the automotive sector has always been matched by her dedication to advancing equity.
“She has spent decades leveling the playing field so that capable people, regardless of gender, background, or age, can grow and lead,” said Nabeta. “Even in retirement, she continues to take on industry challenges like ageism with the same conviction that has defined her career. Her impact extends globally. She continues to support new voices in our sector through Empowering Auto as a board director and mentor. Agnes remains deeply engaged in community and professional organizations.”
He said anyone who has spent time with her knows she is a special person.
“When you sit with her, you immediately recognize someone who is exceptionally sharp and deeply influential, paired with a warm and genuine commitment to serving others,” said Nabeta.
“That combination is rare, and it is why her legacy tells the story of an essential voice in our industry, as well as in her work to build a more inclusive and just society. Agnes’ leadership philosophy is rooted in service, and she has opened doors for an entire generation of rising leaders. I am proud to call Agnes a friend and am humbled that our industry continues to benefit from her example, her wisdom, and her clarity about what leadership should look like.”
Hiscock was introduced by Anne Marie Desando, vice-president, commercial automotive for Scotiabank. Desando said Hiscock, who retired earlier this year as Senior Vice-President of Automotive Finance at Scotiabank after 36-plus years in the auto finance industry, was recognized for his industry knowledge and leadership.
“His curiosity has taken him around the world visiting OEMs with whom we have long- standing relationships and others who hoped to come to Canada with new products and new ways of doing business — seeking John’s insight,” said Desando. “His deep understanding of market trends, technical innovations and strategies and how to apply them to our business has consistently set him apart as a thought leader in our field…
There was not a question he couldn’t answer or a subject he wasn’t able to opine on. Client visits with John were especially entertaining as you would have some of the best and brightest in this business pepper him with questions and lean into every word he had to say.”
She said beyond his expertise, Hiscock’s genuine respect and interest in people has left an indelible mark on the organization.
“He possesses a rare talent for bringing teams together and uniting individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives under a common purpose,” said Desando. “He didn’t force it through programs or courses but rather by modelling what a truly diverse workforce should look like… Because of that messaging the auto business at Scotia consistently had some of the highest scores with respect to employee DEI among all the businesses in Canadian banking.”
She added he fostered a unique culture of winning and high performance, a culture where excellence is not only expected but achieved time and again.
“He pushed us hard, sometimes seeing in us what we couldn’t see in ourselves, and had no problem with the tough, honest conversations — course correcting the team or expressing when he was frustrated — but always did so in the most respectful and coach-like way,” said Desando. “He also had an intuitive ability to know exactly when any of us needed to vent a bit, wanted some advice or simply needed a kind ear.
“He reminded us that decisions we make today impact our business going forward and those decisions are critical to future success. And that is what he did: he set up our business and leadership for future success and we will continue to honour his leadership by pushing ourselves to the highest standards.”
