Meet Rustam Juma, CIC.C, GC, Volkswagen Group Canada
In a significant appointment that underscores the evolving landscape of legal leadership in the automotive industry, Rustam Juma, CIC.C, GC, has taken the helm as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. and Audi Canada. This role not only marks a professional milestone for Juma but also aligns his deep-rooted passion for automobiles with his distinguished legal career.
Early Career and Background
Rustam Juma’s journey began with his graduation from Western University’s law school, followed by his call to the bar in 2008. He initiated his career in corporate law, working in both Calgary and Toronto, before transitioning to in-house roles. His tenure at Deloitte’s legal department starting in 2013 and later at Eckler Ltd. as their first in-house lawyer and General Counsel in 2016 highlighted his growing expertise in strategic business insights and leadership.
In 2022, Juma’s accomplishments were recognized with the Canadian General Counsel Award for mid-market excellence, cementing his reputation as a leading legal professional. His career trajectory reflects a blend of technical legal skills and a strategic understanding of business operations.
Transition to Volkswagen Canada
Juma’s move to Volkswagen and Audi Canada in 2023 was a “dream come true,” driven by a lifelong fascination with cars. This transition was fueled by his desire to merge professional expertise with personal passion, showcasing his commitment to excellence and adaptability in pursuing new opportunities.
Professional Development and Leadership
Committed to continuous growth, Juma completed the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association (CCCA)-Rotman Business Leadership Program in 2022, earning the Certified In-House Counsel—Canada (CIC.C) designation. This program equipped him with strategic business acumen, emphasizing the integration of technical skills with empathy and a growth mindset.
In 2021, Juma co-founded The National GC Network, dedicated to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the legal profession. This initiative underscores his commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture through leadership opportunities and scholarships.
Legal Challenges at Volkswagen
As General Counsel, Juma navigates a complex regulatory landscape, addressing evolving laws in consumer protection, privacy, and competition, particularly in regions like Quebec and British Columbia. He also manages legal aspects of Volkswagen’s strategic focus on electrification, digitization, and sustainability, including compliance with environmental laws and expansion of battery plants in Ontario.
Juma acknowledges the efficiency of technologies like ChatGPT in legal tasks but emphasizes that they cannot replace the moral compass and emotional intelligence essential in leadership and legal counsel.
Commitment to Sustainability and Diversity
Volkswagen’s sustainability and ESG goals are central to Juma’s work. The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 30% per kilometer by 2030 and increase gender diversity in management roles to over 20% by 2025. Juma plays a crucial role in upholding these commitments at both strategic and operational levels.
Future Vision and Personal Philosophy
Juma’s philosophy balances innovation with ethical integrity, advocating for in-house legal teams to enable business growth. His leadership emphasizes adaptability, teamwork, and setting boundaries to prevent burnout. By integrating technology and empowering his team, Juma fosters a culture of efficiency and mutual respect.
Rustam Juma’s career exemplifies the synergy of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and personal passion. At Volkswagen, he navigates complex legal frameworks while contributing to progress in sustainability, diversity, and innovation, standing out as a leader in the legal profession.
Deepening Expertise and Industry Impact
Throughout his career, Rustam Juma has consistently demonstrated a commitment to deepening his legal expertise while making a tangible impact on the industries he serves. His transition to Volkswagen and Audi Canada marked not only a personal fulfillment but also an opportunity to apply his extensive legal knowledge to the dynamic automotive sector.
Strategic Legal Oversight
In his role as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Juma oversees a wide array of legal matters that are critical to Volkswagen’s operations in Canada. His responsibilities include navigating the complex regulatory environment, ensuring compliance with federal and provincial laws, and providing strategic legal guidance to support the company’s business objectives.
One of the key areas Juma has focused on is the legal implications of Volkswagen’s electrification strategy. As the company invests heavily in electric vehicle (EV) production and infrastructure, Juma works closely with cross-functional teams to address legal challenges related to battery technology, supply chain management, and government incentives for EV adoption.
Advancing Diversity and Inclusion
Rustam Juma’s commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond his professional responsibilities. Through his work with The National GC Network, he has been instrumental in creating opportunities for underrepresented groups within the legal profession. The Network’s initiatives, including scholarships and mentorship programs, aim to foster a more inclusive legal community.
At Volkswagen, Juma has been a strong advocate for increasing gender diversity in leadership roles. He has worked closely with HR and executive teams to implement policies and practices that promote gender equality and address the gender pay gap. His efforts align with Volkswagen’s broader ESG goals, which emphasize the importance of diversity and inclusion in achieving sustainable business success.
Leveraging Technology for Legal Excellence
Juma has been at the forefront of leveraging technology to enhance legal operations. While he acknowledges the potential of tools like ChatGPT to streamline certain legal tasks, he emphasizes the importance of human judgment and ethical decision-making in legal practice. Under his leadership, Volkswagen’s legal team has adopted innovative technologies to improve efficiency, but these tools are always complemented by the expertise and moral compass of seasoned legal professionals.
This balanced approach to technology reflects Juma’s broader leadership philosophy, which prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and ethical integrity. By fostering a culture that embraces change while remaining grounded in core values, Juma has positioned Volkswagen’s legal team as a strategic enabler of the company’s growth and innovation.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Rustam Juma remains committed to advancing Volkswagen’s mission to lead the automotive industry’s transformation toward sustainability and digitalization. He is focused on ensuring that the company’s legal strategies not only keep pace with regulatory changes but also proactively address emerging challenges and opportunities.
Juma’s vision for the future is also deeply personal. He hopes to inspire the next generation of legal professionals to pursue careers that align with their passions, just as he has done. By sharing his story and experiences, he aims to demonstrate the potential for legal careers to be both fulfilling and impactful.
Conclusion
Rustam Juma’s appointment as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Volkswagen Group Canada Inc. and Audi Canada represents a significant milestone in his illustrious legal career. His journey, marked by a blend of technical expertise and strategic leadership, underscores his ability to navigate complex legal landscapes while driving business growth. Juma’s commitment to sustainability, diversity, and innovation not only aligns with Volkswagen’s strategic goals but also sets a benchmark for future legal professionals. His story is a testament to the power of passion, adaptability, and ethical leadership in shaping both personal and professional success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Rustam Juma’s educational background?
Rustam Juma graduated from Western University’s law school and was called to the bar in 2008, marking the beginning of his distinguished legal career.
What led to Rustam Juma’s transition to Volkswagen Group Canada?
Juma’s lifelong passion for automobiles and his desire to merge professional expertise with personal interest led to his transition to Volkswagen and Audi Canada in 2023, which he described as a “dream come true.”
What are Rustam Juma’s key responsibilities at Volkswagen?
As General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Juma oversees legal matters critical to Volkswagen’s operations in Canada, including regulatory compliance, electrification strategy, and sustainability initiatives.
How is Rustam Juma contributing to diversity and inclusion?
Juma co-founded The National GC Network to promote equity and inclusion in the legal profession. At Volkswagen, he advocates for gender diversity in leadership roles, aligning with the company’s ESG goals.
What is Rustam Juma’s stance on technology in legal practice?
Juma acknowledges the efficiency of technologies like ChatGPT but emphasizes the irreplaceable role of human judgment and ethical decision-making in legal counsel.
What is Rustam Juma’s vision for the future?
Juma envisions advancing Volkswagen’s mission toward sustainability and digitalization. He aims to inspire future legal professionals to pursue fulfilling careers that align with their passions.
