Team size: 26

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?

Legal is a critical service during any period of instability or crisis. This is one reason why it is imperative for Legal to be part of the senior management team. The pandemic crisis was a perfect example, when, as General Counsel, I was closely involved in the crisis management team to be able to advise them on all legal aspects relating to safety measures implemented, including of course labour law, health and safety regulations and data privacy. My legal strategy is strongly solutions-orientated, balancing the risks and interests of the company, and where needed finding constructive compromises that work. In this way, Legal is a key contributor to business and organisational resilience during any kind of crisis.

How is your in-house legal function strengthening corporate governance in response to evolving expectations around transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement in Switzerland?

As a Swiss not-for-profit association representing public service media, we hold ourselves to high account with respect to corporate governance and compliance. I head up a dedicated specialised group composed of senior member lawyers which advises our Board on these issues and ensures high levels of transparency and accountability. We have also implemented clear ethical and compliance policies for all staff, who are obliged to complete on-line and in-person training courses.

What do you see as the major legal challenges for businesses in Switzerland over the next five years, and how are you preparing to address them?

The major challenges are global and linked to both international politics and the rapid technological evolution we are currently witnessing. More specifically, digitalisation certainly presents new opportunities for all sectors, for media sector in which I work. It allows for new ways to reach all sections of customers/viewers, and for more personalisation and other efficiencies.

However, a major concern is that European business relies on non-European digital infrastructure (platforms) to tap into these new markets and ultimately to stay relevant and competitive. That dependency may become extremely problematic in the future, particularly where those digital platforms are vertically integrated and compete with European business. In the current political climate, new laws and regulatory protections may be interpreted as unjustified trade restrictions. The Legal function will be critical in advising European businesses on solutions based on existing legal frameworks.