Event information
The GC Summit Switzerland 2025, to be held in Zurich, promises to be a significant event for professionals and thought leaders across industries. This premier gathering will offer a dynamic platform to explore some of the most pressing issues in today’s business landscape. With the rapid evolution of technology, one of the key themes will be the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace. Discussions will delve into how AI is reshaping roles, enhancing productivity, and driving innovation, while also addressing the ethical considerations and challenges that come with its integration. Alongside this, a critical focus will be on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) frameworks, particularly within the realm of governance. Experts will share insights on how organisations can foster robust governance structures, ensure accountability, and meet the growing demands for transparency and ethical leadership in an increasingly complex world. The summit will provide ample opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Zurich. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how AI and governance are shaping the future of business and society, armed with the latest strategies to navigate these transformative areas.
Agenda
1.30pm – 2.00pm Registration & Lunch
2.00pm – 2.05pm Opening remarks
2.05pm – 2.55pm Ready for ESG 2.0? How GCs of Swiss Companies prepare their Boards for the next wave
This panel will delve into the evolving role of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in shaping Swiss corporate governance. As ESG issues increasingly drive business strategy, regulatory compliance, and investment decisions, companies face both unique challenges and promising opportunities in adapting to these new expectations. With expertise in corporate law and compliance, panelists will guide a discussion on how Swiss organisations can strengthen their governance structures to align with emerging ESG standards while maintaining competitiveness and meeting stakeholder demands.
Central to this conversation is Switzerland’s shifting regulatory environment, where recent legislation seeks to enhance transparency and accountability. Panelists will discuss how Swiss ESG regulations intersect with international frameworks and what these overlapping standards mean for businesses, investors, and boards. Additionally, the panel will address the strategic risks associated with ESG commitments, offering insights on effective compliance strategies and ways to manage liability in cases of regulatory or shareholder disputes.
The discussion also seeks to explore how ESG oversight can effectively be integrated into a company’s existing governance framework. Through insights from peers and experts, the discussion aims to inspire attendees to benchmark their company’s ESG governance against best practices from other market participants.
- Tobias Meili, partner, Wenger Plattner
- Roman Mazzotta, head CP legal & IP, president Syngenta CH
- Thomas Schönholzer, general counsel, Swiss Post
- Dr. Franz Saladin, CSR compliance manager, Bachem Group
2.55pm – 3.45pm AI at the workplace
This panel discussion will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming business operations and the evolving regulatory landscape in Switzerland and the EU. AI applications in the workplace have expanded from simple operational automation to sophisticated decision-making systems. Common use cases include AI-driven recruitment tools, workforce analytics, and predictive maintenance in manufacturing. Additionally, AI can optimize HR processes, such as performance evaluations and employee retention strategies, while enhancing customer support and streamlining supply chains.
For organisations, these applications can lead to productivity gains and improved decision accuracy, but they also introduce complexities related to transparency, data handling, and potential biases in AI-driven decisions. Switzerland’s AI guidelines, influenced by the EU’s AI Act, are expected to classify AI systems by risk level, imposing stricter controls on high-risk applications, such as employee monitoring and recruitment.
Moreover, HR and data protection laws mandate careful handling of employee data and fair AI-driven decision-making, requiring compliance with standards like the GDPR. This discussion will address how companies can responsibly integrate AI while adapting to the legal demands that shape its ethical use.
- Irène Suter-Sieber, partner, Walderwyss
- David Vasella, partner, Walderwyss
- Lisa Bechtold, Zurich
- Matthias Glatthaar, head of data privacy and group data protection officer, Migros
3.45pm – 4.05pm Fireside Chat
- Ruben Miessen, CEO & co-founder, LEGALFLY
4.05pm – 4.15pm Coffee Break
4.15pm – 5.05pm M&A by financial sponsors vs strategic players
This panel will focus on the contrasting strategies of financial sponsors and strategic players The discussion will explore how the differing motivations influence deal structures, due diligence, deal financing and documentation. The panelists will also address select aspects of the regulatory environment.
- Daniel Raun, partner, Advestra
- Andreas Hinsen, partner, Advestra
- Alain Moroni, head of strategy and M&A, Cembra
- Simone Gollino Mitschnigg, general counsel, Energy Infrastructure Partners
5.05pm – 5.55pm Employee Investigations: Addressing Whistleblowing and Ensuring Compliance
As companies face increasing pressure to ensure transparency and adhere to legal and ethical standards, handling whistleblower reports and subsequent investigations has become a pivotal aspect of corporate governance. These investigations are complex, requiring careful attention to the rights of all involved parties, the legal obligations of the company, and the potential reputational risks.
The session will provide invaluable insights into how legal teams manage the intricate dynamics of employee investigations, ensuring that the process is thorough, fair, and compliant with both local and international laws. Given that companies of all sizes and sectors are regularly confronted with whistleblowing issues, this topic is of universal relevance. The panel will delve into best practices for conducting these investigations, from safeguarding confidentiality to navigating potential conflicts of interest, while also addressing the need for corporate policies that align with evolving legal frameworks.
- Peter Haas, founding partner, Eversheds Sutherland
- Paul Fontes, partner and head of employment, Eversheds Sutherland
5.55pm – 6.00pm Closing remarks
6.00pm – 7.00pm Drinks and canapes
Speakers
Tobias Meili, partner, Wenger Plattner
Tobias Meili is a partner in the practice groups governance & compliance, life sciences & health law, and corporate & M&A. He advises clients, particularly in the life sciences sector, on commercial and corporate law, especially on corporate governance (including corporate responsibility issues), restructuring, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and contract and technology law. His area of activity also includes internal investigations as an examiner or investigator appointed by FINMA or companies.
Due to his many years of experience in a leading position in the legal department of a formerly SMI-listed multinational corporation and an international consulting and technology company, Tobias Meili is familiar with the structures, processes, and challenges of large companies. In his legal practice, he combines an authentic, pragmatic, and solution-oriented advisory approach with solid legal expertise and negotiation skills.
Roman Mazzotta, head CP legal & IP, president Syngenta CH
Roman Mazzotta is based in Basel/Switzerland and currently serves as the Head of Legal & Intellectual Property at Syngenta Crop Protection, overseeing lawyers, patent attorneys and trademark professionals based in all major jurisdictions in which Syngenta Crop Protection has business activities. In addition to his role as Head of Syngenta Crop Protection Legal & IP, he is also the Country President for Syngenta in Switzerland. In this role he represents Syngenta on the Board of Directors of scienceindustries, the Swiss trade association for chemicals, pharmaceuticals and life sciences; on the Board of Directors of economiesuisse, the Federation of Swiss business and the Board of Directors of the Chamber of Commerce of Basel. Roman Mazzotta studied law at the University of Zurich and is admitted to the bar of the Canton of Aargau. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from GSBA Zurich (today the China Europe International Business School).
Thomas Schönholzer, general counsel, Swiss Post
Thomas Schönholzer, Attorney-at-law, Dr.iur., MBA (IMD): a thought and seasoned leader with a track record of (i) successful transformations of legal, compliance and risk management organizations for various non-/listed companies, (ii) stakeholder management, (iii) crisis response, and technical expertise in particular in international trade controls/sanctions, ESG, data/AI and corporate matters. Worked for 2 law firms in Zürich and London amongst others Simmons & Simmons and Baker & McKenzie, followed by 10 years in Telecoms/IT as Senior/Deputy General Counsel. Thereafter, 4 years as GC and secretary to the board of directors of Bobst Group Ltd. a listed globally leading high tech company in the packaging industry, 4 years as GC, board secretary and member of the extended group executive committee of Sulzer Ltd.; currently GC of the Swiss Post Ltd.
Dr. Franz Saladin, CSR compliance manager, Bachem Group
Dr. Franz Saladin is chemist and obtained a doctorate and a post doc in renewable energy research. At the start of his professional career, he headed the environmental analysis department at Novartis respectively its Management Buyout Solvias, and held the position of Head of “Health, Safety and Environment”.
Franz later worked in business development for 15 years. First as Head of Life Sciences, Energy and Environment and later as Director of the Basel Chamber of Commerce. In and intermediate period, he managed the economic promotion agency of both Basel and Jura and was responsible for the attractions of foreign direct investments and the settlement and start-up of new companies.
Today, Franz is CSR Compliance Manager at Bachem Group, the leading manufacturer of peptides with over 2,000 employees and sites in Switzerland, the UK, the USA and Japan. He also runs his own business, consulting companies on sustainability, holds various board mandates and is a lecturer in sustainability at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW).
Irène Suter-Sieber, partner, Walderwyss
Irène Suter-Sieber is a partner specialising in employment law, a Certified Specialist SBA Employment Law, and served as a member of the Executive Board (Hiring Partner) at WalderWyss from 2021 to 2024. She has extensive experience representing clients in employment law-related civil proceedings and advises Swiss and international companies on all aspects of employment law. Her expertise includes drafting employment contracts, personnel regulations, and employee participation programs, as well as executive compensation, enforcement of restrictive covenants, terminations, restructurings (such as transfers of undertakings and mass dismissals), international employee transfers, personnel leasing, and employment-related internal investigations. She also handles matters related to social security and data protection. After completing her law studies at the University of Zurich (lic. iur. 2006) and piano studies at the Zurich School of Music (Musician MH, 2006), she was admitted to the bar in 2009 and earned her doctorate at the University of Zurich in 2012 (summa cum laude, awarded the Prof. Walther Hug Prize and Issekutz Prize). Before joining WalderWyss, she worked at a leading Swiss law firm in Zurich for eight years. Irène Suter-Sieber speaks German, English, and French, is registered with the Zurich Bar Registry, and is admitted to practice at all Swiss courts.
David Vasella, partner, Walderwyss
David Vasella is a partner on the Information Technology, Intellectual Property, and Competition team. He advises and represents Swiss and international companies across industries and at all growth stages on data and technology law. His expertise includes data use, negotiating data-related contracts, data security issues, cloud projects, IT contracts, setting up platform models, and ensuring data protection compliance with GDPR and Swiss law. He supports implementation projects and data protection audits and regularly gives talks and writes publications in his areas of expertise, including contributions to datenrecht.ch, a Swiss platform on data law. After graduating from the University of Fribourg in 2002 with a law degree, he was admitted to the Zurich bar in 2004 and earned his doctorate from the University of Zurich in 2011, graduating with the highest distinction and receiving the Prof. Walther Hug Prize and the Issekutz Prize. David Vasella is co-editor of digma (a journal on data law and information security), swissblawg (the largest legal blog in Switzerland), and datenrecht.ch. He is a Certified Information Privacy Professional and Manager (CIPP/E, CIPM) and a Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP). He is recognized in international rankings as a leading expert in data and technology law, with accolades from Chambers (“He is absolutely stellar when it comes to data protection”), Who’s Who Legal (“revered as the ‘go-to person for data protection’, with a wealth of experience in compliance matters”), and Legal500 (“committed and pragmatic” and an “outstanding lawyer with excellent analytical skills, a wealth of legal expertise, and high client focus. David is responsive, pragmatic, and fully committed to serving his clients. Besides, he is a very likable chap”).
Daniel Raun, partner, Advestra
Daniel Raun’s practice focuses on M&A and other corporate transactions. He regularly advises corporate clients, private equity and venture capital firms as well as family offices and entrepreneurs on domestic and cross-border acquisitions, joint ventures and carve-out transactions.
Daniel also has extensive experience in corporate and securities laws and corporate governance matters. He regularly advises clients on matters of executive compensation, management participation, equity and other compensation schemes, with a particular focus on publicly traded companies.
Andreas Hinsen, partner, Advestra
Andreas Hinsen’s practice focuses on domestic and cross-border M&A transactions, corporate governance, restructurings as well as general corporate and stock exchange laws.
Andreas has broad experience in private equity and venture capital transactions and has advised on a wide range of corporate transactions, including joint ventures, internal restructurings, shareholder agreements, growth capital investments and public-to-private deals. He also frequently advises on general corporate law matters and real estate transactions.
Alain Moroni, head of strategy and M&A, Cembra
Alain Moroni is the Head of Strategy and M&A at Cembra Money Bank AG, where he leads strategic initiatives and oversees mergers and acquisitions. Previously, he worked in investment banking at Alantra, specializing in M&A advisory to corporate and private equity clients. He also held corporate M&A roles at Helvetia and Zurich Insurance, managing and executing M&A projects and strategic investments across Europe, North America and the Middle East.
Ruben Miessen, CEO & co-founder, LEGALFLY
Ruben Miessen is the CEO and co-founder of LEGALFLY, reshaping the legal industry by freeing up legal teams time for strategic work through automation. Building cutting-edge AI with security at its core to streamline legal workflows and increase efficiency for firms worldwide. LEGALFLY has raised €17m from top-tier investors, grown to 30+ employees, expanded to offices in London and Ghent, and is now competing with top US players, all within 18 months since its inception. Known for bold product vision and responsible AI, Ruben is turning LEGALFLY into the global category leader in enterprise legal AI. Previously, he has led high-impact tech initiatives, earning recognition from Tinder, the European Commission and Web Summit.
Lisa Bechtold, Zurich
As a strategic leader in Data | AI | Governance, Lisa serves as Head of AI Governance at Zurich Insurance Group, driving AI innovation and digital transformation with an integrated perspective on business needs, growth opportunities and digital regulation. As an internationally qualified lawyer, Lisa joined Zurich in 2009 and held various senior positions in Group Legal (Corporate Finance, Governance), Group Risk Management (Digital Risk Governance), before moving to Group Technology & Operations (Data Governance & Business Intelligence). Lisa started her career as an attorney-at-law in M&A and Asset Management in Germany and the U.S. (New York). She holds a Ph.D. in international law (Cologne), an LL.M. degree (Berkeley) and completed an executive education program on AI at MIT Sloan School of Management as well as a Leadership Program at Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Matthias Glatthaar, head of data privacy and group data protection officer, Migros
Matthias Glatthaar is Head of Data Privacy and Group Data Protection Officer at Migros, a large Swiss conglomerate of companies with a retail core. Previously, he worked for a leading Swiss media company and as an attorney in a major Swiss law firm. Matthias Glatthaar is president of the Swiss Association for Corporate Data Protection (VUD) as well as co-president of the association issuing the Privacy Icons. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of St. Gallen, a Master of Laws from Harvard Law School and several privacy and AI certifications from the IAPP. Matthias Glatthaar regularly publishes and speaks on privacy and AI regulation and legal aspects of digitalisation.
Simone Gollino Mitschnigg, general counsel, Energy Infrastructure Partners
Simone Gollino Mitschnigg is covering the role of the General Counsel at Energy Infrastructure Partners AG, a FINMA licensed manager of collective assets and energy sector specialist, investing long-term in high-quality, large-scale renewables and system-critical energy infrastructure. Previously, she worked as Head Legal & Compliance of RobesoSAM AG, an international asset manager offering an extensive range of active investments, from equities to bonds. Being recognised as financial market law specialist, she also held inhouse legal & compliance roles at MBaer Merchant Bank AG, Corestone Investment Managers AG and Credit Suisse Trust AG, managing and implementing regulatory projects in Switzerland and Europe, acting as contact person vis-à-vis regulators and other authorities and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Peter Haas, founding partner, Eversheds Sutherland
Peter Haas is a founding partner of Eversheds Sutherland in Switzerland and was Managing Partner from September 2013 to December 2023. He heads the dispute resolution team and co-heads the employment team in Switzerland.
His practice areas are employment, contract and consumer law as well as national and international commercial litigation, in the fields of liability and tort law. Peter has a particular expertise in insurance and liability matters. His prior experience includes several years as an in-house counsel in the claims department of one of the largest Swiss insurance companies as well as an associate attorney in a business law firm.
Peter studied Law at the University of Berne and was admitted to the bar in Switzerland in 1994. He holds an LL.M. in European law, private international law and arbitration from the University of Essex (UK).
Peter is a member of the Bar Association of the Canton of Berne and a member of the Swiss Bar Association. He is a member of the IBA’s insurance committee, its negligence and damages as well as its litigation committee. He is also a member of the Swiss Society of Civil Liability and Insurance Law and its committee AIDA Swiss Chapter, the British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce (BSCC).
Paul Fontes, partner and head of employment, Eversheds Sutherland
Paul Fontes is a Partner and Head of Eversheds Sutherland’s Employment team in London.
Paul regularly defends high value and commercially sensitive discrimination and whistleblowing claims on behalf of employers. He also advises on and conducts investigations into allegations of misconduct, discrimination, bullying and harassment often with regulatory implications and cross-border elements.
Paul advises clients in a number of industry sectors including financial services, professional services, TMT and real estate. His clients include a number of FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 companies, major professional services firms and regulatory bodies.
His recent experience includes advising one of the world’s leading energy companies on a sensitive whistleblowing claim brought by a claimant alleging breach of health and safety obligations and undertaking investigations into allegations of misconduct on behalf of one of the UK’s leading retail banks, one of the Big Four accounting firms and a global media company.
Paul is recognized as a leading employment lawyer by the independent guides to the legal profession. He is listed in Chambers in Band One for advising employers. Chambers quotes sources as saying: “He is an excellent employment lawyer.” “Paul is our go-to adviser for employment matters in the UK. He is savvy, knowledgeable and dependable.” “He is always very practical.” Legal 500 says: “Paul Fontes heads the London employment practice. It excels in handling complex mandates for major financial institutions and PLCs” and quotes a source as saying: “I have worked with Paul Fontes for over 20 years. He is my go-to external partner. He is a great team leader too.”
In association with...
Advestra is a corporate law firm located in Zurich, Switzerland. The firm advises clients on a broad range of M&A transactions, such as acquisition and divestment transactions, public takeovers, mergers, demergers, joint ventures, and financing rounds.
Apart from Corporate|M&A, Advestra advises clients on capital market transactions, financing transactions, matters relating to financial services regulatory as well as tax. For practice areas not covered by Advestra, the firm relies on an extensive network of specialised firms.
Eversheds Sutherland is a global brand with over 70 offices across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the United States. In Switzerland, Eversheds Sutherland maintains offices in Zurich, Zug, Geneva and Berne.
Driven by passion we provide our clients specialized guidance in the complexities of national and international law and deliver innovative and pragmatic solutions.
Legal expertise, a commercial way of thinking and specific sector know-how are the cornerstones of our legal practice. Together with our global reach we are an ideal partner for legal services, wherever a business is located and whatever a business needs may be.
LEGALFLY is transforming legal service delivery with secure AI. Our AI-native workspace accelerates contract drafting, review, and discovery, cutting time spent by up to 50%. Trusted by leading European firms and in-house teams, LEGALFLY enhances efficiency, ensures compliance, and prioritises data privacy with GDPR, ISO27001, and SOC2 standards. Empower your legal team with LEGALFLY today. Visit www.legalfly.com.
A dynamic presence in the market – Walder Wyss is one of the most successful Swiss commercial law firms. We specialize in corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, intellectual property and competition law, dispute resolution and tax law. With more than 260 legal experts and six locations, we provide our clients with a seamless one-stop-shop, personalised and high quality services in all language regions of Switzerland.
For over 30 years, Wenger Plattner has been advising and representing clients throughout Switzerland. Operating as a ‘one-stop-shop’, we offer comprehensive expertise and support in legal and tax matters across all areas of business law, along with proficient notarial services. We identify practical, workable solutions and help clients implement these to achieve the best possible commercial outcomes by delivering the highest standards of quality.