In this edition of our “Women in Our Industry” series, we speak with Angelika Deksne, Deputy Executive Director at Triplex, our member in Latvia.
With over a decade in the automotive glass sector, and extensive experience in managing teams and driving growth, Angelika shares how a professional connection led her into the field and how she’s helped shape Triplex into a modern, people-first business.
She reflects on the importance of building teams united by values, the evolving role of women in a traditionally male-dominated industry, and the ways in which the Latvian market has transformed in recent years.
This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation with a leader who brings strategy, empathy, and resilience to everything she does.
My entry into the automotive glass industry wasn’t something I had planned, it was the result of a professional connection and an opportunity that evolved naturally. A close friend of mine, the owner of Triplex in Latvia, reached out to me for strategic advice and business support. After working together informally for a period, he offered me an official position as Assistant to the CEO. That marked the beginning of my journey in the automotive glass sector, and that was 13 years ago.
Since then, we’ve been working closely together, steadily developing Triplex into a stronger, more dynamic company. One of the most significant turning points in our growth was joining the Automotive Glass Europe (AGE) network. This partnership aligned perfectly with my role in business development and helped us expand our reach and build stronger international connections. I see this collaboration as a key part of the company’s strategic evolution.
However, my leadership experience started long before I joined Triplex. In Estonia, I spent 15 years working in a family-owned business, where I helped build the company from the ground up. Over time, it became a recognized leader in its sector. As Commercial Director, I led a sales and marketing team of 15 people, and the total number of employees at the company exceeded 200.
That experience gave me a solid foundation in various aspects of management, from HR and branding to marketing, communications, and research & development. When I stepped into the automotive glass industry, I brought with me a well-rounded, strategic perspective that continues to shape how I approach growth, innovation, and team building today.
In my view, one of the most complex yet essential tasks in successfully managing a company is building a team of like-minded professionals who share a common vision. True progress happens when people are united not just by contracts, but by shared values and a passion for what they do.
One of the major advantages we’ve discovered, and actively cultivated, is bringing women into what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry like automotive glass.
Ten years ago, I couldn’t have imagined women integrating so seamlessly into this environment, especially given how technical and service-oriented it is. But today, that experiment has proven to be not only successful but transformational.
The women on our team bring strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a real drive to prove themselves in a field that, until recently, was almost exclusively male. Their presence has brought balance and new energy into the company culture. In fact, our current hiring policy now includes a clear requirement: we make sure that at least one female manager is part of every key department, preferably two.
What’s most rewarding is seeing how well this integration works in practice.
During our regular team meetings with service technicians and operations staff, we see true collaboration.
Regardless of gender or background, everyone works as one professional unit, and that unity is one of our biggest assets as a business.
I’ve always liked the saying, “Behind every successful man, there is a woman.” And I truly believe it still applies, not only in family life but also in business.
Whenever a woman steps into a new space, she brings with her harmony, confidence, and a sense of meaning.
That’s true in any field, and especially in the automotive industry, which has long been considered a male-dominated environment.
But when women take on leadership roles here, the dynamic shifts, not in competition with men, but in complement to them.
Women listen deeply, sense risks early, offer alternative solutions, and help build bridges. These qualities make teams stronger and more adaptable. I’ve personally seen how the women in our company take pride in showing their competence, knowledge, and engagement, in an industry where, not long ago, they were hardly visible.
For me, this balance, between male and female perspectives, is exactly what moves the industry forward.
To put it simply: having women in leadership isn’t just about equality. It’s about depth, quality, and long-term vision.
Over the past few years, the Latvian market, including the automotive glass sector, has undergone significant transformations. First and foremost, competition has noticeably increased.
Customers have become more informed, discerning, and demanding, both in terms of service quality and speed of delivery. This has pushed companies to become more agile and technologically advanced.
Another major change is the shift towards digitalization. More and more processes, from logistics to customer communication, are now conducted through digital channels. This requires investments in IT, staff training, and a thorough review of internal workflows.
It’s also important to highlight the evolving attitude towards customer service. While price used to be the main deciding factor, today customer experience plays an increasingly critical role. People no longer just choose a product or service, they choose a company they can trust.
Of course, global factors have also had a strong impact: the pandemic, geopolitical shifts, and rising costs of resources and logistics. All of this demands that businesses be highly adaptable, strategic, and capable of operating effectively in uncertain conditions.
For us, these changes have been an opportunity to rethink our approach and emerge stronger, as a team, as a company, and as a trusted partner.
My advice is simple: if you appreciate precision and order, this industry is for you! The automotive glass sector is very clear-cut and structured. Knowing the nuances and details of the business is extremely important. Stay attentive, strive for professional growth, and don’t be afraid to take on responsibility. It’s a great path for those who enjoy well-defined processes and want to make a real impact in the industry.
As I mentioned earlier in this interview, it’s difficult to make long-term plans given the current global and market uncertainties. However, my main priority and wish for Triplex today is to retain our excellent technicians and managers — the people who make up our strong team.
Additionally, we have taken a significant step toward modernization: we have completely moved away from paper-based business processes and automated many workflows. This has allowed us to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and speed up operations. Moving forward, we will continue implementing innovations to stay competitive and agile.
Retaining our team and advancing modern technologies are the two key directions that will help us successfully move forward.
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