Claudia Santamaria – Ecolab

Claudia Santamaria is the legal director of LA North at Ecolab, a global sustainability leader offering water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people and the resources vital to life.

Claudia Santamaria | Ecolab | Legal Director LA North

Ecolab’s extensive portfolio enhances food safety and ensures clean water worldwide. The company’s dedication to sustainability is reflected in its initiatives to expand water recycling efforts and innovate with environmentally friendly products. Ecolab is steadfast in its mission to mitigate climate change impacts through cutting-edge packaging solutions and a commitment to sustainability.

Claudia is a key business advisor, integrating the legal department’s functions with Ecolab’s strategic goals. Her responsibilities extend beyond traditional legal oversight, encompassing a strategic partnership with various business units to ensure the company’s legal framework supports its broader objectives. This includes aligning legal strategies with the company’s sustainability mission and operational goals, providing essential guidance to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, and fostering an environment where legal considerations support and enhance business initiatives.

“As the legal team, we are always looking to implement the best legal practices to protect Ecolab, our stakeholders and each associate in the company,” Claudia says. “Being aware of the applicable regulations (not only for us as a company but also those that may impact our customers) and best practices in the market provides added value and a broader vision of the business, positioning Legal as a true business advisor.”

Simplifying client interactions

One of Claudia´s key projects at Ecolab is the initiative to unify the company’s services under the One Ecolab strategy. This project aims to provide integral solutions to clients by streamlining the contracting process across all business lines. Previously, each line of business had its contract, creating additional paperwork for clients. Under Santamaria’s leadership, Ecolab is working to unify these contracts, making the terms, conditions, and signatures more cohesive and easier for clients to navigate. This unified approach demonstrates Ecolab’s comprehensive interest in its clients’ needs, allowing the company to deliver a robust and complete service offering.

Claudia has also contributed significantly to internal client education. She and her team have been instrumental in familiarizing internal clients with contract risks and conducting training sessions to ensure they understand the contracting process. This effort includes working closely with the commercial area to facilitate business operations, ensuring that all risks are adequately covered and that internal teams are well-prepared to engage with clients effectively.

Another critical project under Claudia’s leadership focuses on team development. She is dedicated to identifying the strengths and areas of opportunity within her team to help them reach the next level. By challenging her team members and positioning them as a strategic area within Ecolab, Claudia aims to create a legal department that other areas look to for strategic input.

“This involves helping each team member develop a personal brand, giving them visibility within the company, and positioning them as business advisors contributing to its market positioning,” she explains.

Empowering team development

Claudia’s leadership style emphasizes motivation and empowerment. She believes in developing her team members by helping them discover their added value, encouraging continuous learning, and fostering growth. This approach benefits the individual team members and enhances the overall capability of the legal department, making it a key player in Ecolab’s business strategy.

Recruiting and retaining top talent is another area in which  Claudia excels. Her team consists of four lawyers and one paralegal, a small yet highly skilled group that handles a significant workload from all divisions of Ecolab LAN. When hiring,  Claudia looks beyond technical skills, focusing on emotional intelligence, teamwork, and a willingness to learn and teach. This comprehensive approach to recruitment ensures that new team members are well-rounded and capable of contributing to the company’s success.

Retention is equally important to Claudia. She keeps her team motivated by involving them in the company’s strategy, showing them there is always room for improvement and growth, and dedicating time to understanding what drives them personally and professionally. As an involved leader attentive to her team’s needs, Claudia ensures that her team feels valued and integral to Ecolab’s success.

Claudia acknowledges that positioning the legal area as a business partner rather than just a support function is a continuous challenge. She works to align the legal department with the needs of internal customers, demonstrating that legal is an ally in business strategy and not a hindrance. By negotiating fair conditions with customers, defending the company’s position, and understanding client needs,  Claudia showcases the added value that the legal department brings to the commercial side of Ecolab.

Claudia is committed to continuing her work at Ecolab, leading her team, and impacting the company, her team, and future generations. She is passionate about developing future leaders, particularly women, and ensuring that the legal department remains a pivotal part of Ecolab’s sustainable and strategic growth.

Building a legal career

Claudia‘s journey began with a deep-seated sense of justice and a desire to do the right thing. Initially drawn to criminal law, she pursued her passion by earning a Bachelor of Laws from La Salle University. During her studies,  Claudia realized her true interest was in corporate law.

Her career began at a large accounting firm, where she found satisfaction in providing legal advice on commercial transactions and mergers. This experience ignited her passion for the corporate sector. She then took a pivotal role at a telecommunications company, interacting with various marketing, sales, finance, and technical departments. This exposure solidified her dedication to corporate law, as she enjoyed the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the field.

Claudia’s career progression is marked by thoughtful decisions aimed at long-term growth. After several years in telecommunications, she transitioned from CISCO to Tupperware for a regional management position, seeking greater opportunities. Her move to Ecolab was driven by the company’s focus on sustainability and health, which resonated deeply with her values.

At Ecolab, her goals include developing people and strengthening her team. She maintains balance by enjoying reading, exercise, and social activities with friends and family.  Claudia´s journey is a remarkable example of how passion, adaptability, and a commitment to making a difference can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career in corporate law.

“When I look back on the decisions I have made during my professional career, I feel successful in all areas of my life: working for a great worldwide company that is engaged with sustainability and health, developing myself and my team and also being an example for my 7-year-old twin girls). You can reach your goals if you are determined to do so, especially as a woman. Not only being a professional, mother and wife, but all of these areas combined to become a successful woman who continues accomplishing my dreams,” she exclaims.