Zaudi Bustos – American Axle & Manufacturing

American Axle & Manufacturing is a prominent player in the global automotive industry, specializing in producing high-quality automotive axles for leading brands like Nissan, Ford, GMC, and Lincoln. In Mexico, AAM operates a comprehensive network with six manufacturing plants, including a dedicated GMC center in Guanajuato and facilities in Saltillo and Nuevo León that focus on advanced processes like forging, machining, and creating synthetic metal components. This network also includes a distribution and metal-forming center. Employing 12,000 individuals, AAM’s operations in Mexico are vital to the company’s global success, contributing a substantial portion of its revenue. The company’s strategy is to remain competitive by consistently delivering top-quality products at the right price while investing in a skilled workforce capable of managing compliance with clients and suppliers.

Zaudi Bustos, as the legal affairs director for Mexico, plays a crucial role in upholding these standards. Her multifaceted position involves overseeing legal compliance and acting as a strategic bridge between key departments like operations, manufacturing, human resources, environmental safety, and finance. Bustos is tasked with identifying compliance gaps, guiding departments on new and existing regulations, and managing risks, particularly environmental protection-related ones. Her comprehensive understanding of AAM’s operations allows her to embed compliance standards seamlessly across the organization, ensuring AAM’s adherence to local and international guidelines while safeguarding its reputation.

A significant part of Bustos’ responsibilities is driving corporate responsibility, specifically through initiatives that promote gender diversity. One of her significant projects involves increasing the number of women in leadership roles, a critical focus for AAM, where currently only 4 percent of management and director positions are held by women. Bustos is spearheading efforts to raise this figure to 7 percent by 2025, a change that goes together with AAM’s mission to boost competitiveness through a more diverse leadership team. To achieve this, she is implementing sustainable policies that make it easier for women to thrive professionally. This includes guidelines that offer more flexibility for professional mothers, comprehensive policies covering maternity and paternity leave, and support for women experiencing menopause. These steps represent a shift in company policies and in the culture, moving toward a more inclusive workplace that values the diverse contributions of all employees.

To make this transformation possible, Bustos has taken on the challenge of establishing a legal and procedural framework that supports inclusivity. This involves setting clear guidelines for new policies, ensuring compliance across the company’s diverse operations, and training staff to embrace these changes. Networking with plant managers has been a critical part of her strategy to maintain consistent policy enforcement throughout AAM’s Mexican facilities. The expected outcomes of these initiatives go beyond improved gender representation; they aim to enhance employee satisfaction, boost retention, and secure benefits related to social security, tax incentives, and overall productivity.

Beyond her work in gender diversity, Bustos is heavily involved in AAM’s leadership, recruitment, and retention efforts. She promotes a leadership style that empowers employees and nurtures their professional growth, acknowledging the importance of the human element in the company’s long-term success. By fostering a culture that values compliance, risk management, and a well-rounded workforce, Bustos ensures that AAM meets regulatory standards and evolves into a preferred employer in the competitive automotive industry.

Looking to the future, Bustos aims to shift towards a human resources role within AAM, driven by her interest in the human aspects of corporate culture. She plans to leverage her extensive legal expertise and understanding of AAM’s internal dynamics to create a compliant and positive work environment that draws top talent. Her vision is to align AAM’s operational goals with a culture that supports flexibility, diversity, and inclusivity, ensuring that the company remains adaptable, progressive, and strategically aligned for continued success.

Bustos’ interest in law began with a passion for understanding corporate dynamics and compliance. This interest led her to pursue a master’s degree in Corporate and Compliance from Salamanca University, which laid the foundation for her legal career.

She began her professional journey in Mexico City at Banco del Bajío, but her life took a turn when her husband received a job offer in San Luis Potosí. Wanting a smaller city lifestyle, Bustos relocated, and soon after, Cummins, a key player in the automotive industry, recruited her. Starting as a junior lawyer, she quickly advanced to legal manager. Over the next decade, her role evolved into a hybrid position, managing taxes, transfer pricing, and legal compliance for Latin America, eventually becoming the trade and compliance manager.

Two years ago, American Axle & Manufacturing recognized her expertise and invited her to lead its legal department in Mexico. In a company with few women in management roles, Bustos has taken on the challenge of leading and empowering other women, fostering a more inclusive environment.

Outside of work, Bustos is dedicated to maintaining a healthy balance. She enjoys spinning, running, and meditation and is exploring barrel dancing, a mix of ballet and gymnastics. Her commitment to personal well-being supports her demanding professional life, ensuring she remains energetic and focused. Driven by her passion for ongoing learning and growth, Bustos continues to pursue further education in corporate law.

“Leadership is about lifting others as we rise. It’s not just about our role but about empowering those around us to reach their full potential. When we support and elevate others, we all grow together. The more we learn, the more we can give, creating a stronger, more inclusive environment for everyone,” Bustos says.