By: Michal Hlista
After joining Fix Network as Director of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in November, Mary de Guzman’s career in the automotive industry has come full circle. After nearly two decades, she had worked across the full value chain of the automotive industry.
A Defining Environmental Wake-Up Call
One of the pivotal moments that shaped her commitment to environmental and social issues was assessing the impact of a major environmental contamination event in the U.S. “I had to talk to people who lived in the area. It really got me seeing firsthand the impact that industry has on people, and the impact that pollution can have on people’s health,” said de Guzman.
Bringing Structure to ESG in a Decentralized Network
Today, her mandate at Fix Network is to make the company’s ESG goals practical and achievable across a decentralized franchise system, and she aims to bring greater structure and consistency to ESG efforts across the franchise network. This means translating complex requirements into clear, actionable steps for busy shop owners, and working with the human dimension of franchising to achieve ESG goals.
The Reality of Family-Run Shops
“Shops are often family businesses. For example, when you have your son working in the spray booth, he is at risk of inhaling isocyanate, which can cause respiratory issues. Franchisees want to invest to ensure their children are not exposed to this hazardous chemical that could affect them for the rest of their lives.”
Rising Industry Expectations and Regulations
It’s also a time of rising expectations in the industry where insurers and partners are increasingly looking for transparency and measurable ESG performance while the regulatory requirements continue to grow. “Insurers are increasingly required to have transparent ESG data, and they want to see their partners with credible action plans. The regulatory environment is also continuing to get stricter with regulations around waste management, carbon emissions, workforce practices and compliance.”
Commitment Beyond the Workplace
Outside of work, de Guzman is actively involved in community and environmental initiatives, from tree planting to supporting food security efforts with Hand Up From Hunger Toronto.
Ultimately, for de Guzman, success comes down to values. “I believe that doing what’s right for people and the environment builds stronger businesses and drives long‑term success.”
Picture credit : Mary de Guzman
