Marie Galindo – BorgWarner

Marie Galindo is the corporate counsel for Mexico at BorgWarner, a leading tier 1 automotive supplier renowned for producing essential components of the automotive powertrain, including clutches, turbos, electronics, and more. BorgWarner’s products are integral to the functionality and efficiency of vehicles worldwide, and as the automotive industry undergoes a significant shift towards electrification, Galindo’s role has become increasingly important.

In her position, Galindo ensures that BorgWarner’s operations in Mexico comply with all legal and regulatory requirements, which is critical as the company pursues ambitious goals to reduce carbon emissions and transition to greener technologies. Her role involves managing complex legal issues, from overseeing contract negotiations and ensuring regulatory compliance to providing strategic legal advice on corporate governance and risk management.

Galindo’s expertise is crucial in navigating the intricacies of Mexico’s legal landscape, especially given the stringent regulations surrounding the automotive industry and environmental standards. She works closely with various departments within BorgWarner to align legal strategies with the company’s broader objectives, ensuring that every decision supports its sustainability and electrification goals. Her ability to integrate legal considerations into the company’s operational framework makes her an indispensable part of the strategic decision-making.

Splitting divisions for greener goals

One of the most significant projects Galindo has spearheaded is the spin-off of two divisions within BorgWarner. This project aimed to segregate the production lines associated with combustion products and establish a new independent company. Galindo’s expertise was critical in preparing the separation strategy, generating legal documentation, and creating two new legal entities. She also ensured that all the required infrastructure was in place for these new businesses to operate independently. This complex process involved supporting various departments, including contracts, treasury, tax, and export permits, to ensure a seamless transition.

The spin-off was officially announced in December 2022, with the closing completed in July 2023. This strategic move allows BorgWarner to concentrate on producing electrification products, significantly reducing its carbon footprint by eliminating the combustion division. This change is instrumental in helping BorgWarner meet its aggressive sustainability targets, an 85% reduction in level 1 and 2 emissions and a 25% reduction in level 3 emissions by 2030.

Galindo acknowledges that correctly separating obligations between entities has been one of her most significant professional challenges. Navigating the complexities of labor laws, regulatory compliance, licenses, permits, and banking required high precision and coordination. Creating several new companies within a tight timeframe while ensuring regulatory compliance and minimizing operational disruption showcased her exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills.

Collaborative leadership

Leadership and teamwork are central to Galindo’s approach. She believes in fostering a collaborative environment where team members can contribute their expertise and ideas. Recognizing that diverse perspectives lead to better decision-making, she actively encourages open dialogue and values each team member’s input. This inclusive approach enhances team cohesion and drives innovation and efficiency within the legal department and the company.

Her leadership style is characterized by her dedication to continuous learning and proactive approach to addressing challenges. Galindo is committed to staying updated on the latest legal developments and industry trends, which enables her to anticipate potential issues and devise effective strategies. This forward-thinking mindset helps her navigate the complexities of the automotive industry’s regulatory landscape and provides a solid foundation for making informed decisions.

She values her team’s contributions and strives to create an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive. Galindo believes a positive work environment is essential for employee satisfaction and productivity. She invests time mentoring and developing her team members, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed. Her emphasis on professional growth fosters a culture of excellence and continuous improvement within the legal department.

Looking ahead, Galindo remains passionate about her role and the automotive industry. She is committed to continuing her growth within BorgWarner and contributing to the company’s sustainability and electrification goals. Her dedication to her work and her ability to navigate complex legal landscapes make her an invaluable asset to BorgWarner’s mission of driving innovation and sustainability in the automotive sector. She envisions a future where the company not only meets but exceeds its environmental targets, leading in the industry’s transition to cleaner, more sustainable technologies.

Passion for legal excellence

Educated in Mexico, Galindo earned a JD from Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and an LLM in Arbitration and Intellectual Property from Queen Mary University of London. Her career began at Von Wobeser y Sierra, S.C., a top law firm in Mexico City, where she gained significant experience in international commercial arbitration and regulatory issues.

Galindo’s career turned when she moved to Michigan due to her husband’s work. She joined Butzel Long, where she established and led the firm’s Mexico practice, advising over 100 companies on business strategies and legal issues. Her innovative approach led her to Miller Canfield, where she further expanded her expertise and network.

Seeking new challenges, Galindo transitioned into consulting at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, managing international growth services. She then founded US-MX Consulting LLC, a bi-national consulting firm focused on the automotive industry. Her shift to in-house counsel began at Delphi Technologies, where she thrived, embracing the opportunity to be closer to business operations. Her success led to her current position at BorgWarner, overseeing legal matters in Mexico and Brazil.

Balancing her demanding career, Galindo enjoys Pilates, running, extreme sports, traveling, cooking, and reading. Through various high-profile roles, her journey from Mexico to the U.S. showcases her resilience and leadership. Galindo’s unique blend of legal acumen and operational insight continues to drive significant contributions to BorgWarner and the broader legal and automotive communities.