What are the most significant cases, projects and/or transactions that you and/or your legal team have recently been involved in?

In recent years, the legal team has supported numerous strategically important initiatives for Danone DACH. These included complex logistics and warehouse transactions, compliance transformation, digitalisation efforts, packaging and advertising projects, and restructuring initiatives.

We managed major agreements by ensuring legal accuracy, compliance with global contract principles, and providing operational guidance. In compliance and governance, we strengthened the regional risk and control framework that enhanced team capabilities.

We advised commercial teams on the protection and strategic positioning of key brands in multiple markets. Digital transformation was another focus area, including GDPR assessments as well as terms and conditions, codes of conduct and liability structures.

We are preparing the business for new requirements by local and EU legislation, such as the Packaging Act, sustainability reporting, and supply chain due diligence.

Overall, this portfolio highlights our mandate and our proactive, solution‑oriented approach to supporting Danone’s operational and strategic priorities in the DACH region.

How do you approach managing legal aspects during periods of instability or crisis to ensure the organisation’s resilience?

This period of change is challenging but no longer new. Adaptation remains essential, and composure helps us see the stable foundations we can continue to build on.

What strategies do you employ to ensure the successful digital transformation of a legal department while maintaining compliance with your country’s data protection laws?

It is part of our strategy to try things out, learn, and take our time doing so. You should just stick with it and not expect the perfect solution. Data protection is an indispensable prerequisite for digital transformation.

Have you had any experiences during your career as a lawyer that stand out as particularly unique or interesting?

A constructive attitude is important. As a lawyer, you have an interesting perspective that allows you to influence and achieve a lot within a company. It is particularly important to be able to identify the most relevant facts and focus on them without losing sight of the big picture. You have to use your time to produce quick and actionable results that are also sustainable.

Given the current geopolitical shifts and growing uncertainties around international free trade, has your company’s risk profile evolved, and are you taking measures to address these challenges?

We have a risk management system that also covers legal and compliance risks.

Based on your experiences in the past year, are there any trends in the legal or business world that you are keeping an eye on that you think other in-house lawyers should be mindful of?

AI is an important trend. Information is becoming increasingly difficult to verify, and data that used to provide certainty must now be interpreted with caution. Nevertheless, we cannot see into the future and must make decisions with all their consequences. That is precisely why it is helpful to agree on values that are currently being questioned more than ever before.

How can general counsel foster a corporate culture that supports ESG principles and compliance across all levels of the organisation?

Corporate culture should translate into clear, liveable ethical behavior—without overload. Regulations can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to focus on the core, show direction, and highlight the positive, value‑adding aspects.

What is a cause, business or otherwise, that you are passionate about? Why is this?

We bear enormous responsibility for the success of our company, both today and tomorrow. Trust and curiosity are good companions in this endeavor.

What factors influence your team’s decision to use external legal services versus handling matters in-house, and what criteria are used to evaluate their performance?

We seek external support when we need specialised knowledge or when time is limited. We evaluate results based on expertise, experience, coordination, and personal trust.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company? Can you share an example of a recent legal-led initiative that had a significant impact?

The legal team is a key stakeholder in cross‑functional task forces, as shown by the packaging workstream, which brought strong legal involvement in strategic business decisions.

Looking forward, what trends do you foresee in the legal landscape over the next 5–10 years that companies should prepare for?

Industry and society will continue to change. International companies must adapt their products, put customers at the center, and commit to responsible social and environmental practices with transparency and accountability.