Deane Ilukowicz, chief people officer of TPI Composites, a manufacturing and renewable energy firm, has a history of making significant and highly impactful contributions to the company. She helped lead the energy transition through advanced technology and innovative solutions. Under her guidance, Ilukowicz led the HR function from being largely transactional and administrative to being a strategic and proactive partner to the business with forward-thinking principles and ideas around managing talent, employee engagement, and culture building in a global environment.
Ilukowicz played a pivotal role as the executive sponsor in the establishment of TPI’s inaugural global Associate Resource Group, LEAP for Women. In addition, she spearheaded the formation of the global Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Awareness (IDEA) Council and company culture.
This demonstrates her commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, said her staff. “Deane can be described as a highly empathetic and caring leader who holds others accountable to their goals and commitments,” they said. “She is known for advocating the advancement and growth of others while demonstrating professionalism and equitable practices.”
Taking on an executive role in an industry that is a male-dominated field didn’t cause Ilukowicz to shy away from diving in. “As a mother, wife, professional, and executive, Deane is a true example to all women that having work-life integration and a successful career is achievable,” said her colleagues. “She is well-known in the manufacturing and renewable energy sector and has a reputation for driving excellence in her role.”
Ilukowicz has been actively involved in supporting the equitable energy transition in partnership with the ALLY Energy community. Through ALLY, she has volunteered her time for strategic business plan development, mentoring, public speaking and participation in high-impact panel discussions. Most recently, she appeared in a short documentary, Dirty Nasty People, which featured the life story of ALLY founder Katie Mehnert.
As a leader, Ilukowicz said she relies on her skills as a pathfinder. “I always find solutions through empathetic listening and outside-the-box thinking, mixed with a bunch of courage,” she said. “Being a pathfinder means identifying opportunities where others see obstacles, pioneering innovative solutions and leading the way toward transformative change.”
The most important trait of a leader is resilience, said Ilukowicz. “Resilient leaders are adaptable and are able to help their teams connect what they are doing to the bigger organizational picture,” she said. “They are good listeners, provide both positive and critical feedback, and don’t shy away from hard decisions.”