Career Biography

Stefanie Baro is an accomplished legal executive with nearly two decades of experience across private practice and in-house legal leadership. Her career began with a strong foundation in corporate and commercial law, spending almost five years at Eubelius, one of Belgium’s leading independent law firms. There, she honed her expertise in commercial transactions, regulatory matters and litigation, building a reputation for precision, strategic thinking, and client-focused solutions. She then transitioned into the energy sector, joining Eneco as a Legal, Regulatory, and Public Affairs Specialist. Over three years, Stefanie played a pivotal role in navigating complex regulatory landscapes and advancing the company’s sustainability agenda. Her work contributed to shaping public policy and fostering strategic stakeholder relationships, reinforcing her ability to operate at the intersection of law, business, and public interest.

In 2016, Stefanie joined Barry Callebaut, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products. Over nearly a decade, she has grown within the organisation, culminating in her current role as Head Legal EMEA. In this capacity, she leads a diverse legal team across the region, providing strategic counsel to senior leadership and driving legal excellence across all business units. Her key achievements include leading legal support for multiple greenfield projects across Europe, enabling Barry Callebaut’s expansion into new markets and production capabilities. She has successfully steered complex M&A transactions, ensuring seamless integration and value creation.

Stefanie has also been instrumental in negotiating and structuring strategic partnerships with global customers and suppliers, fostering long-term collaboration and innovation. In times of crisis, Stefanie has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing high-stakes claims and reputational challenges, always with a calm, solution-oriented approach. Her ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver clear, actionable guidance has earned her the trust of executive stakeholders and operational teams alike.

Beyond her technical expertise, Stefanie is widely recognised as a strong and trusted business partner. She brings a collaborative spirit to every engagement, fostering cross-functional teamwork and aligning legal strategy with business goals. Her leadership style is inspiring and inclusive, empowering her team to grow, innovate, and deliver impact. As a people manager, she is deeply committed to mentoring and developing talent, cultivating a high-performing legal function that adds strategic value. Stefanie’s career reflects a consistent trajectory of growth, impact, and integrity. Her blend of legal acumen, business insight, and leadership excellence makes her a standout figure in the in-house legal community and a deserving honoree in the Legal 500 GC Powerlist: Belgium 2025.