Austria 2026
Supported by the Association of Corporate Counsel
Senior Legal Counsel, Head of Global Practice Areas | Andritz
Head of Legal Department (in-house lawyer) | Österreichische Post
Head of Legal, Compliance & Risk Management Department Southeast Europe | Schenker & CO
Global Head of Legal & Compliance / General Counsel | Teufelberger Service
Managing Director Legal Affairs and Compliance | Casinos Austria Group
Group General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer | HOERBIGER Group
Leiterin Konzern-Recht | SPAR Österreichische Warenhandels
Senior Legal Counsel Global Ethics & Compliance EMEA | DS Smith
General Counsel, Compliance Officer & Site Manager Vienna | Semperit Group
Regional Counsel Europe & Regional Compliance Officer | GATX Rail Europe
Deputy General Counsel / Head of Compliance Office | Constantia Flexibles Group
General Counsel, Group Compliance Officer, Corporate Secretary, Board Member LD Cellulose | Lenzing Group
Head of Legal (Leiter Recht); In-house Counsel | Saubermacher Dienstleistungs
Executive Vice President Legal and Governance | Innomotics Group
Lead of Corporate & Antitrust Austria | STRABAG-Group, CML Construction Services
Head of Legal Austria | CML Construction Services (a service company of STRABAG)
Head of Legal | Eurest Restaurationsbetriebsgesellschaft
Head of Legal Austria & Legal Governance | SPAR Group Austria
Chief Service Operating Officer Zurich Austria & Managing Director ZSG | Zürich Versicherungs-Aktiengesellschaft
Regional General Counsel & Group Compliance Officer | ANDRITZ
Head of Legal | Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA)
General Counsel and Group Compliance Officer, Export and Product Compliance | IMS Nanofabrication
The Austrian legal market continues to demonstrate resilience, innovation and adaptability in an increasingly complex global environment. Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, economic pressures, technological disruption and evolving regulatory expectations, in-house legal teams are playing a more strategic role than ever before.
The lawyers featured in this edition exemplify the breadth and depth of talent within Austria’s corporate legal community. Beyond their traditional responsibilities, today’s General Counsel and senior in-house lawyers are trusted business advisers, risk managers, governance leaders and drivers of transformation. Whether navigating complex M&A transactions, implementing emerging regulatory frameworks, managing compliance challenges or supporting digital and AI-driven initiatives, they are helping their organisations adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
One theme that emerged consistently throughout my research was the increasing emphasis on agility. The ability to balance legal risk with commercial opportunity, provide practical guidance during periods of uncertainty, and foster strong cross-functional collaboration has become a defining characteristic of successful legal leadership. At the same time, issues such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, ESG, compliance and competition law continue to reshape the in-house legal agenda.
This year’s honourees also highlight the diversity of expertise across Austria’s economy, representing organisations from sectors including financial services, energy, manufacturing, transport, construction, telecommunications, insurance, consumer goods and technology. Their achievements demonstrate the critical contribution that legal departments make to long-term business success.
On behalf of The Legal 500, I would like to congratulate all those recognised in the GC Powerlist: Austria 2026. We are delighted to celebrate your accomplishments and thank you for your continued contribution to the legal profession and the wider business community.
Margherita Birri
Research Editor
The Legal 500
On 3 September, after the success of the Kenya launch, Legal 500 hosted the second official launch event for the GC Powerlist: East Africa 2026, in partnership with ENS. Held at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, the evening brought together many of the region’s leading in-house lawyers, with a particular focus on celebrating the strength and contribution of Uganda’s legal community.
The event commenced with welcoming remarks from Giulio Tomassi Galanti, Business Development Manager at Legal 500, who highlighted the dynamic growth and increasing sophistication of the East African legal market. He also reflected on the rigorous research and selection process behind the GC Powerlist series, congratulating this year’s honourees for their outstanding contributions to both the legal profession and the organisations they serve.
Giulio was followed by Rachel Musoke, Head of ENS Uganda, who addressed the audience and applauded the exceptional achievements of those recognised in the 2026 edition.
Following the formal certificate presentation ceremony, Candy Wekesa Okoboi, Head of Legal at Stanbic Bank Uganda, was invited to speak on behalf of the honourees. She reflected on the significance of being recognised by the publication and emphasised the importance of bringing together East Africa’s in-house legal community to celebrate shared achievements, strengthen professional connections, and support the continued development of the profession across the region.
The Kampala launch of the GC Powerlist: East Africa 2026 proved a fitting celebration of the region’s outstanding in-house legal talent. The evening showcased the depth of expertise, leadership, and innovation present across East Africa’s corporate counsel community, while reaffirming Legal 500’s commitment to recognising and championing its achievements. We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this year’s research process, and to ENS for once again partnering with Legal 500 to provide a platform that honours these exceptional legal professionals.
