Martin Wartmann – GC Powerlist
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Switzerland 2025

Healthcare

Martin Wartmann

Group general counsel | Geistlich Pharma

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Switzerland 2025

legal500.com/gc-powerlist/

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Martin Wartmann

Group general counsel | Geistlich Pharma

Team size: Six

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crises, and how does your legal strategy align with the broader business strategy to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

During periods of instability, I take a proactive and structured approach, focusing on rapid risk assessment and prioritisation to identify potential legal exposures across compliance, obligations, contracts, intellectual property, and corporate reputation. Legal works closely with executive leadership and operational teams to ensure guidance is practical, actionable, and aligned with the realities of the business. Our legal strategy is always designed to enable resilience and support the broader business strategy. By embedding compliance into strategic planning, anticipating regulatory and operational challenges, and developing contingency frameworks, we allow the business to pivot quickly while protecting its assets. At the same time, we balance risk management with enabling innovation, providing teams with the confidence to advance critical initiatives within appropriate legal and ethical guardrails. By integrating legal risk management with business priorities, we ensure the organisation can navigate uncertainty while maintaining compliance, credibility, and operational continuity.

What are the main cases or transactions that you have been involved in recently?

Recently, I have been closely involved in several significant transactions and strategic initiatives that directly support the company’s growth and market positioning. This includes leading the acquisition of competitors in Brazil and the USA, navigating complex cross-border regulatory and contractual considerations to ensure smooth integration and continuity of operations. In parallel, I have advised on strategic investments in Switzerland, France, and Germany, structuring these investments to align with both local legal frameworks and the company’s long-term strategic objectives. Across all these transactions, my focus has been on managing risk, ensuring compliance, and enabling the business to execute its strategic priorities effectively.

How do you prioritise diversity and inclusion within your legal department, and what initiatives have you implemented to foster a more inclusive and equitable work environment?

Diversity and inclusion are central priorities within our legal department, both as a matter of principle and as a driver of better decision-making and team performance. Our team currently comprises six key positions, including four women and two men, reflecting our commitment to gender balance. We actively support flexible working arrangements, including reduced working hours for parents, to ensure that team members can balance professional responsibilities with family life.

Martin Wartmann - Switzerland 2022

Group general counsel and chief compliance officer | Geistlich Pharma AG

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Martin Wartmann - Switzerland 2015

General Counsel | Selecta Management AG

In charge of the Swiss legal team of Europe’s largest vending services company, Martin cites the biggest achievement of his in-house career so far as being a key part of...

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Martin Wartmann - Switzerland 2018

Deputy general counsel | Selecta Group

Martin Wartmann is a general counsel and chief compliance officer with more than ten years of blended international corporate in-house, private law firm and entrepreneurial experience. Wartmann joined Selecta, a...

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