John Kajander

About John Kajander

Managing legal and strategic matters related to GM advanced technologies, joint ventures, acquisitions and partnerships. Advise senior business leaders on key legal issues related to regulations, negotiating, executing and operating in new relationships. Negotiate sensitive and strategic contracts in support of GM M&A staff. Supervising four attorneys in the US and two attorneys in China to negotiate co-development, licensing, services and partnership agreements. Previously, I was the General Counsel for SAIC-General Motors (SGM), the largest OEM manufacturer in China and one of the largest Joint Ventures in China. Designing, producing and selling 2 million vehicles a year under the Chevrolet, Buick and Cadillac brands, SGM is one of the most successful car companies in China. I have led development of diverse legal issues from Compliance and Data Privacy Polices to Insurance Joint Ventures and large asset purchases. I advised senior leaders up to the Board level on strategic, tactical and routine legal topics on a daily basis. I was the Executive Director for a legal department of 16 attorneys, covering 6 JV\'s under the SGM umbrella. Before that, I was the Regional Transactions Counsel for GM International Operations and GM China. I\'ve drafted and negotiated some of the most complex Joint Venture and commercial agreements in the Automotive Sector. I have successfully addressed transaction challenges in complex areas such as Export Controls, Open Source, and Mobile Connectivity. Based in Shanghai and focused on GM China’s growth, I have developed extensive experience in China. I am registered to practice law in the United States and I am a registered Patent attorney with the USPTO.Before my transition to the legal field, I was a successful Commercial and Engineering Manager. This background provides me with valuable insight into internal clients\' needs.Specialties: Transactions, Doing Business in China, Compliance, Business Collaborations, International Trade and Supply Agreements, Licensing, Software and Product Liability.

Experience

1. Senior Executive Legal Counsel

   General Motors

   Aug 2017 — Present · Detroit, MI, US

Education

• Michigan Technological University

  BSME, Mechanical Engineering

  1983 — 1987

• Wayne State University Law School

  JD

  1996 — 2000

Skills

• Management
• Military Operations
• Patent Litigation
• Business Strategy
• Patents
• Commercial Litigation
• Trademarks
• Competitive Analysis
• Contract Negotiation
• Intellectual Property
• Leadership
• Patentability
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• Licensing
• Patent Prosecution
• Negotiation
• Legal Writing
• Litigation
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Automotive
• Joint Ventures
• Manufacturing